Allardyce Hits The Nail On The Head!

Last updated : 13 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
If the midfield and defence had contributed more goals back in 1996 we'd have beaten Manchester United to the title. And looking at the side in pre-season fixtures - and at the Reebok on Saturfday - Big Sam has got it right.

He insists the team is still 60% short of what he wants, but the guy is making a massive impression on Tyneside. Waking up this morning and seeing the Magpies top of the Premiership is the best feeling in the world.

Back in 1996 when we threw away a 12 point lead over Manchester United, only Les Ferdinand was firing on all cylinders. His 25 Premiership goals that season showed he was at his peak, but the contribution from midfield and from set-pieces from the defenders was poor.

Young Steven Taylor scored as many Premiership goals by himself last season than Warren Barton, Philippe Albert, Steve Howey, Darren Peacock and John Beresford did all together in the season we finished second to the Mancs.

In later years we had Gary Speed who was always worth seven or eight goals a season, but the likes of Kieron Dyer (who often played as striker), Jermaine Jenas, Lee Bowyer and Clarence Acuna were never polific.

Allardyce: "We have so many players in every department who can get goals. The likes of Alan Smith and Joey Barton from midfield, and we will see the best of Shola Ameobi and Michael Owen when they are fit."