Diouf adds to Bolton's woe and Sam silences his critics

Only introduced at half-time because of an injury to Ricardo Vaz Te, Diouf played his part in an improved Bolton performance after the interval but warned that he will not stick around if he is not given a central role.

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New Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce and his Bolton successor Sammy Lee

"I just want everything to be clear in my head," said Diouf. "I want to talk with the chairman and with the manager because I want everything to be clear. If the manager tells me he has confidence in me, I do well. If I don't see that, I don't think I can stay.

"Right now as I talk, this is my crowd and this is my club. I don't know tomorrow. It is another day. Maybe tomorrow I go. Of course I was disappointed not to be on at the start. I am a footballer and I want to play every game.

"This is my crowd and everybody loves me here — that is why I want to play against Newcastle and every time there is a game.

"They decided I wasn't playing, though, and that was it. I respect the boss and his decision and I am here for the time."

Certainly it seemed odd that Diouf did not start, particularly as Lee wishes his team to play more intricate football than they did under Sam Allardyce.

That Allardyce's Newcastle were the team that exposed early flaws in Lee's plans was unfortunate and one senses this was one game the new-look Bolton just had to get out of the way.

Naturally upset by criticism of him by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside in the hours before the game, Allardyce exacted the perfect revenge as his side dismantled the home team in an astonishing opening half hour.

"He seems obsessed by me," reflected Allardyce. "I don't know why that is. I just want to move forward and not keep looking backwards."

Familiar face: Newcastle's boss Sam Allardyce hugs Bolton manager Sammy Lee

The Newcastle manager had a point. Gartside needs to close the book on the Allardyce years now. Comments like those he made on Saturday just make him look foolish. Kevin Nolan expressed more sensible sentiments as he reflected on one of the limpest recent Bolton performances.

Nolan said: "Let's get this Big Sam-Little Sammy thing out of the way and get on with the season. It was fantastic to see Big Sam because I haven't seen him since he left. It's disappointing he's gone but I've nothing but admiration for the big man.

"I wish him nothing but success up there but I'm sure we're heading in the right direction now as well. No team will come to the Reebok and get an easier game than Newcastle did."

With Charles N'Zogbia scoring direct from a free-kick and Obafemi Martins adding two more soon after, Newcastle were winners by half-time. Only an early goal from Nicolas Anelka in the second half gave Bolton something to cling to.

Flipping marvelous: Newcastle's Obafemi Martins celebrates his goal

Newcastle were efficient rather than exciting but Allardyce will not mind that. Mark Viduka was disappointing on his competitive Newcastle debut but the midfield pair of Nicky Butt and Alan Smith were impressive, as was Geremi on the right.

The experienced Geremi, 28, named as captain last week, said: "We will grow step by step but of course it would be great to lift a trophy as Newcastle skipper. The board want that, the manager does and of course the players. The fans deserve something.

"At my age I wanted to play regularly. It was my decision to leave Chelsea, I was not asked or told I was no longer wanted. I just needed to play more regularly. I have played in England for five years and know all about Newcastle, so I didn't take too long before deciding to move here.