Allardyce leaves Newcastle

Sam Allardyce: Pointed to the door [GALLO/GETTY]

Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has left the English Premier League club “by mutual agreement” after just eight months in charge.

Allardyce has been unpopular with fans this season after failing to impress with his favoured style of play, a direct, combative approach that brought him relative success at Bolton.

The 53-year-old won just eight of his 24 matches at Newcastle, while losing 10.

“The decision has been reached by mutual agreement,” Newcastle said in a statement on its website.

Former striker and captain Alan Shearer is likely to be an unbackable favourite for the post despite having no managerial experience.

“A new manager has not yet been appointed at Newcastle United,” Newcastle chairman Chris Mort said.

“We will make a further announcement on the managerial position when appropriate.”

First team coach Nigel Pearson will lead the team on Saturday’s Premier League trip to Manchester United.

Newcastle’s 0-0 draw at League Championship club Stoke in the FA Cup on Sunday stretched Newcastle’s winless streak to five matches.

Allardyce, who spent eight years at Bolton, had been appointed to turn Newcastle into a title contender, but the team currently lie in 11th after a disastrous Christmas period.

“I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle United but I wish the club all the best for the remainder of the season and for the future,” Allardyce said.

Allardyce was Newcastle’s sixth full-time manager since Kevin Keegan left the club in 1997.

Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness and Glenn Roeder also led the team since then.

Allardyce is the eighth manager to leave a Premier League club so far this season, either by mutual consent or dismissal.

The others were Lawrie Sanchez of Fulham, Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho, Tottenham’s Martin Jol, Bolton’s Sammy Lee, Wigan’s Chris Hutchings, Derby’s Billy Davies and Steve Bruce of Birmingham.