Criticism of me is unfair, says defiant Allardyce

NEWCASTLE United supporters make no secret of the fact that they have a particular affinity for the FA Cup, more than half a century after the black and white ribbons were last draped on the famous old trophy.

However, even a competition which evokes memories of Jackie Milburn at his inspirational peak can be cruel.

There are many places an under-pressure Sam Allardyce would rather be than the unforgiving surroundings of Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium on Sunday.

The latest manager to turn his hand at reviving the fortunes of the troubled Magpies goes into tomorrow’s third round tie on the back of three successive defeats and mounting criticism of his tactics and team selection.

In the background the fall-out from Joey Barton’s latest arrest continues to cast a shadow over the club and although the midfielder last night apologised to his manager for the negative publicity his latest case has generated, Allardyce could do without court hearings overshadowing an already tense campaign.

Yet the one-time England candidate remains in bullish mood ahead of a fixture many have identified as the defining match of a Newcastle career at a crossroads. “Fighting off relegation for two years with Bolton Wanderers was the hardest thing I’ve had to do as a manager,” said Allardyce as he attempted to play down talk of crisis.

“At Newcastle we’re still 11th in the Premiership and in a position to go forward if we string a few wins together. You draw on those times when you find yourself in this position and focus on what’s right and working hard.’’

Allardyce added: “I haven’t bumped into a fan yet that has slagged me off. In general when you’re not winning you expect the criticism that you’re not playing well. But it hasn’t happened to me personally.

“It takes three to five years to build a football club properly. Being judged after seven months is unfair from my point of view. When I took this job I didn’t expect this type of criticism, no. I just don’t think it’s fair. I don’t like it.”

On the surface Allardyce retains the support of the two men who matter most when it comes to determining the long-term future of Newcastle’s manager.

Owner Mike Ashley and chairman Chris Mort yesterday sanctioned a bid for the Manchester United and England defender, Wes Brown, suggesting their faith in the United coach remains strong.

The offer was later rejected but Allardyce added: “I am still hopeful a deal can be done.”

Barton, meanwhile, may have been released on bail after he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following an incident in Liverpool on December 27 but he will not be available for Newcastle any time soon. Allardyce could do without the added pressure of dealing with a situation he has described as disappointing but he said last night: “Yes, he has apologised.

“I spoke to him after he was granted bail to just find out from him and his solicitors what can and can’t be done from our point of view. It was not too long a conversation. We have to see where we go in terms of his training and when he might or might not be ready to be selected again.

“From our point of view it’s all about keeping him fit and ready to play football if and when that can happen. When Joey and I get together face to face we can discuss how to go forward.”

In the short term victory at Stoke tomorrow is the only conceivable way forward for Allardyce.