Staff jostling for position as Magpies’ close in on Allardyce deal

NEWCASTLE are expected to press ahead with talks to install Sam Allardyce as the Magpies’ new manager — and the jostling for prized positions among his backroom staff has already started in earnest.

Allardyce had one of the largest number of assistants at Bolton of any Premier League club, and would want at least as many at St James’ Park. His former long-time assistant Phil Brown is in contention to move to Newcastle having kept Hull in the Coca-Cola Championship, especially as he has not yet signed a new deal with the Tigers.

Carlisle boss Neil McDonald, another Allardyce disciple, has performed impressively in his first managerial post and hinted he would be interested in joining him at St James’ Park.