Big Sam flies in and vows to deliver success at Newcastle

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

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.

Scroll down to read more:

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."