Sam Allardyce believes he was in the 'wrong place' at the 'wrong time' after reflecting on his failed stint at Newcastle United. The former Bolton boss spent just eight months in the St James' Park dugout before being dismissed in January 2009.
Allardyce's spell began with a comfortable opening-day away victory against his former club, but the future England manager soon struggled to produce results despite being backed in the summer transfer market. Freddy Shepherd had appointed the Magpies boss just before Mike Ashley's takeover was concluded, and the new owner was reportedly keen to install his own candidate in the hotseat.
Allardyce won eight of his 24 matches in charge of the club, and his exit by 'mutual consent' was confirmed following a poor return of just one point from four festive fixtures. The 67-year-old is currently out of the sport after his most recent position at West Brom, and he has reflected on how the Magpies job was supposed to be the 'big one' which would take his career forward.
