Allardyce axes Bramble

Titus Bramble’s eventful Newcastle career finally came to an end today as new manager Sam Allardyce wasted little time in swinging the axe.

The 25-year-old defender, whose time at St James’ Park has been blighted by costly errors, was one of five players released by the club a day after Allardyce was unveiled as Glenn Roeder’s successor.

Fellow defenders Craig Moore and Olivier Bernard, as well as keeper Pavel Srnicek and loan signing Oguchi Onyewu, have all been told their contracts will not be renewed.