Big Sam flies in and vows to deliver success at Newcastle

13 April 2012

Sam Allardyce arrived at Newcastle and promised to give the club's fans the team they deserve.

The 52-year-old, who was due to be unveiled as Glenn Roeder's successor at a press conference after agreeing a three-year contract, flew by helicopter up to Tyneside this morning after attending the League Managers' Association dinner in Nottingham last night.

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His first port of call was the training ground, where he met those players who have not already started their summer break, but his focus is already on the new season and the task of reviving the club's ailing fortunes.

Allardyce said: "I suppose this is the greatest challenge I have ever had, but it is one I am excited about and one I am looking forward to.

"It is no secret that what has happened in the past is not good enough for a club as big as Newcastle United, and it is now my job to change all that.

"After leaving Bolton Wanderers last week, I was expecting a longer rest, but once (chairman) Freddy (Shepherd) opened that door, I was in.

"Whatever may or not be said about Freddy Shepherd, when I met him in London on Friday, I could feel his passion for Newcastle United.

"He is a passionate supporter and it is well-known throughout football that he has always supported his managers.

"Now it is up to everyone from Freddy down, to me, the players, the fans and even the tea lady to give these fans the success they deserve."

One of Allardyce's first jobs will be to tackle the dressing room unrest which came to the fore over the weekend when £10million striker Obafemi Martins and French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia were absent from the 16 for the final day clash with Watford.

However, perhaps even more pressing is the task of resolving Michael Owen's future at St James' Park.

Allardyce said: "One of the first things I will be doing is sitting down with Michael Owen and having a little chat with him.

"I will be asking him does he want to stay with us or go? Obviously I would like him to stay because he has that rare commodity of being able to score goals.

"What I think Michael needs is more time to get on track for us and hopefully he will decide to take that time."

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