Allardyce: Pre-match talk was too much

Most pundits predicted a Magpies exit at the Britannia Stadium would have signalled the end of Allardyce's short time in charge, however following the goalless draw the former Bolton boss, who met owner Mike Ashley before the game, gave the impression he never seriously considered he was one negative result away from the sack.

"It would have been a shock if we had lost, that is for sure," Allardyce said. "But other people were putting more onto the result than they should have done. There is nothing I can do about that. I just have to keep my focus on the players and try to ensure they perform at their best."

He added: "We need to put a few wins on the board and we need to find more of a cutting edge."

Allardyce refused to expand on the content of his meeting with Ashley, other than to confirm the man who has taken to sitting among the Newcastle fans is 'looking well' after a recent holiday.

Ashley would have been impressed by the backs-to-the-wall defending of his team as Stoke launched their onslaught. Central defensive pair Steven Taylor and Abdoulaye Faye combined to keep out the hosts' best opportunity, when substitute Jon Parkin tried to turn home Ricardo Fuller's cut-back.

However, Newcastle had opportunities themselves in a game they dominated for long periods, Taylor coming closest when he bundled a close-range chance against a post.

While neither Allardyce, nor opposite number Tony Pulis were grumbling too much at the prospect of a re-match, the Newcastle manager is unhappy at the demands being placed on his players. After five games in a fortnight, Newcastle now have a six-day break before tackling Manchester United, which Allardyce clearly feels is not enough.

"The new lads here think it is crazy that everyone else has a break and we don't," reflected Allardyce.

"It was our fifth game in two weeks. It is a ludicrous situation to be in. It is an over-demand on high-performing athletes, that is very dangerous indeed. It is too much to ask of players over the Christmas period. It would be nice to reach this point and have a two-week break, as we should do."