Cat Fight Starts As Allardyce Strikes Back!

Last Updated : 30-Jun-2007 by
The Panorama TV programme hurt him bad, and since he has refused to talk to the BBC after it's claims of "dodgy dealings" with transfers.

And it has put our "Look North" programme in a bit of a pickle because they have not been able to show Allardyce being interviewed.

Newcastle United are quick to point out "this is not a club matter", putting distance between them and Allardyce, although saying they understand why their manager has taken this attitude.

But now Allardyce has taken a broadside against his old club, claiming Bolton chairman Phil Gartside is "sad and bitter" about Big Sam's departure from the Reebok Stadium.

This will obviously add spice to the opening game of the new season as Allardyce takes the Magpies to face Bolton (and their new boss Sammy Lee) on August 11.

Allardyce: "Gartside reckoned I wouldn't have got the Bolton job if I was applying for it now.

"He also claimed Sammy did more of the coaching than me and was basically the better man. Gartside just sounded sad and bitter.

"If I'd ever had any doubts about leaving Bolton, that justified to me that I was right to go."