Newcastle United have now officially appointed former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce on a 3 year contract. Following Glenn Roeder’s resignation at the club, chairman Freddy Shepherd has been in talks with the 52 year old for the best part of a week.

Allardyce arrived at the clubs training ground this morning to meet players who have not yet started their summer break. Allardyce has his work cut out for him if he is to turn an ailing club around during the summer break. Trouble starts in the dressing room as both Charles N’Zogbia and Obafemi Martins hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons over the weekend. Both players were absent in the clash against Watford. Whilst repairing the current resources Allardyce will also want to ensure he holds onto one of Newcastle United’s prized assets – Michael Owen. Despite spending the majority of the season on the sidelines after a world cup injury rumours abound of a £9 million transfer for the player.