Allardyce driven by fear of sack

NEWCASTLE boss Sam Allardyce is banking on Michael Owen to help him overcome the fear factor as he prepares to take charge at St James’s Park for the first time today.

Owen’s return to the squad after a thigh injury could hardly have come at a better time for Allardyce, who has many striking options for the clash with Aston Villa.

And despite a storming start to the season at his old club Bolton, Allardyce admits the fear of dismissal has already been giving him plenty of sleepless nights.