Stoke draw not enough for Sam

Stoke City’s draw with Newcastle United last Sunday seems to have been the final straw as The Toon Army has finally sacked Sam Allardyce.

It was often quoted that Allardyce’s job was on the line if they dared to lose, so it came as a surprise to most that a draw was also a sacking offence as the former Bolton manager was dismissed today after only 24 games in charge at St. James Park.

Most observers felt that he would have been given the chance to redeem himself by beating the Potters in next Wednesday’s replay.

With their sole remaining chance of silverware this season now relying on beating Stoke, it does seem bizarre to dismiss the manager and plunge the club into further disarray only seven days before. Let’s hope that this works to our advantage and we can go to the North East and make amends for our missed chances last Sunday evening.