ALLARDYCE GETS THREE YEAR CONTRACT

The news was announced on the Stock Exchange that the deal will be three years.

Allardyce: "Obviously there is an interest in Newcastle, where we have had a discussion, and we will see where it goes from there.

"Of course it has popped up a bit quicker than I thought and whatever happens in the next few days will be vital in terms of what announcement will be made."

Shepherd had spent the last few days attempting to persuade his number one target that his future lies on Tyneside, although Stuart Pearce's departure left the hotseat at Eastlands vacant and led to renewed speculation that the former Bolton boss could be the man to fill it.

However, it later emerged that Allardyce was never a realistic candidate because Newcastle were too far down the road when Pearce's demise was announced. Although it was said Sam left Bolton knowing what City were ready to offer him the post.

He was initially offered the job back in September 2004 before Graeme Souness was appointed but turned it down and, as a result, was not considered when Roeder was given the job in February last year.

Allardyce, unlike several of his predecessors, will have a full summer during which to rebuild his squad, and perhaps sort out the future of England striker Michael Owen.