John Carver expects no favours from Sam Allardyce

John Carver is expecting no favours from Sam Allardyce as he attempts to keep Newcastle in the Barclays Premier League.

The latest man to be handed the managerial reins by owner Mike Ashley at St James’ Park will go head-to-head with the one he sacked in January 2008 with the Magpies in desperate need of a first victory in 11 attempts if they are to condemn Hull to the drop and survive.

Allardyce, who was appointed by former chairman Freddy Shepherd just days before Ashley launched his successful take-over in May 2007, was shown the door after only eight months at the helm.