Ashley told Allardyce he was "on his way" yesterday, as he lined up the man to replace him.
The 53-year-old was only manager for 24 games but the style of football he advocated was the main reason for the chop, plus his constant "moaning" when things went wrong.
He blamed the poor run of results over Christmas on "too many games", which did not wash with the new owner. No European or League Cup fixtures, only league games, and still Allardyce said his players exhausted.
There was serious unrest within the dressing room, with talk of many players wanting to leave.
Emre has had his name touted around Turkey; Oba Martins has been linked with Chelsea; Steven Taylor with Spurs; Michael Owen with Man City; and list goes on.
Whoever becomes the eighth manager to slip into the St James' Park hot-seat in the space of just 11 years, he is already set to take over.
We believe it is Alan Shearer, and red-hot favourite