Newcastle United made the announcement that everyone expected. During a press conference this afternoon they told the waiting press that Sam Allardyce is their new manager.

The former Bolton manager will be charged with the responsibility of bringing silverware to St James Park for the first time since 1969. He has a three year deal to begin with, but he knows that the task is massive and he has much work to do to bring the success the toon army crave.

Allardyce will have to secure the future of Michael Owen and try to lure some new playing staff while trying to clear the deadwood from the Magpies squad.