Quite often Sam is compared to Eriksson and Newcastle with City. Eriksson had more money, better contacts and is, arguably, a better manager. City also had a solid defensive foundation (Dunne, Richards and Hamann) on which they could build upon.

Newcastle spent less money buying bargain players (partially because Sam wasn’t a big enough draw and also because that’s what Sam’s network was geared towards) and Sam needed more time to develop a defensive base for his team.

Anyone who thinks Mourinho is coming to Toon, just wake up now.

As much as I want the Keegan/Shearer partnership, I dont think its going to happen.

Mark Hughes I dont really rate highly. David Moyes would be great but Ashely has already ruled him out.

McClaren and Venebles would be an absoloute disaster.

And any other type of a high profile manager such as Hiddink, Lippi or Rijkaard never looks likely.

Seems Redknapp could be the right choice but I personally dont see anything special in him.

When Ashely took over Allardyce was already in place and you could say Allardyce wasnt in his plans but decided to give him a shot anyway. All us Toon fans know the season is over. Theres no more CC for us, Hovering aimlessly in midtable and im sure soon to be out the FAC. So what there to play for? As long as we get someone in soon and he can nab a few signings in Janurary then you might say this new manager has a whole half season of friendlies for his team to gel, and then in the summer the usual preseason friendlies for other signing. the more i look it, the better the situation gets.

I think good times lie ahead for us Toon fans , mind you.. thats what i was saying when Allardyce first took over…