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Allardyce under pressure
04/12/2007 15:38 - (SA)
London - Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is struggling with his club's poor form, a reported player revolt and speculation that he's about to be fired and replaced by Alan Shearer.
If that weren't enough, he has Premier League leader Arsenal to contend with on Wednesday.
Allardyce has been in charge at Newcastle for six months, but has failed to win over the club's extremely loyal fans.
The Magpies have lost four and drawn one of their last five Premier League games, conceding 13 goals. Midfielder Joey Barton, who joined the club in the off-season, said he was shocked by the reaction of Newcastle fans and described them as "vicious."
Goalkeepers Shay Given and Steve Harper, two of Newcastle's longest serving players, were reported to have confronted Allardyce with their concerns about tactics and team selection.
Absolutely furious
That brought an angry response from Given and Harper, who called the tabloid report "total and utter nonsense" and said Allardyce had the full backing and support of every player in the squad.
"It's fair to say both of are absolutely furious at what we have read today," Given and Harper wrote on the club's website on Tuesday. "It is mischief-making of the highest order and appears designed to unsettle everyone on the eve of our big game against Arsenal."
Allardyce has also had to face speculation that Shearer, a Newcastle great who retired 18 months ago, would replace him as manager if he was fired. Shearer, a former England striker, holds the Newcastle and Premier League goalscoring records.
"If Alan decides to take my job, I hope it'll be when I've decided to leave," Allardyce said. "That will mean I've made the club successful and he'll be taking over a club that I've improved significantly.
"If it's the other way around, then you have live with it."
Allardyce said he has a good relationship with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, but knows he has to stop the club's slide.
"There's no point beating around the bush," he said. "Yes, I'm under the cosh. I've got to get results at this club sooner rather than later."
Hamstring injury
Newcastle has won four games at home, but Arsenal has yet to lose in the league this season and has proven adept at scoring late winners.
The Gunners lead the standings with 36 points, three ahead of Manchester United. Newcastle is in 11th place, with 18 points.
Arsenal will be without midfielder Aleksandr Hleb, who hurt his Achilles in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. Hleb had just recovered from a hamstring injury.
The Gunners are also without striker Robin van Persie, who has a long-term knee injury, while midfielder Cesc Fabregas will miss another game with a hamstring complaint. Midfielder Abou Diaby returns from a back injury.
"My worry at the moment is that we lose players in every game," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.
- AP
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