Allardyce knows the challenge which awaits him to transform West Ham from a "soft touch", but believes summer signing Kevin Nolan - whom he had as a player at the Reebok Stadium - has the perfect characteristics to meet those head on.
Sam Allardyce: "Kevin has been in the Premier League an awful long time at Bolton, before he move to Newcastle.
"He then guided Newcastle back at the first time of asking - not only with 17 goals, but by being captain.
"I see Kevin as a great player and a great captain off the pitch.
"Nolan could perhaps succeed Scott Parker as skipper, were he to be sold.
"He got the skills to do that.
"He showed that, not only with me at Bolton, but at Newcastle - when you get someone like Joey Barton almost crying on the TV because he's left, shows you the respect he has gained.
"That is not just because of what he does on the field, but because of what he is like of it.
"Kevin looks after the players and he drives them on, he creates a team spirit within himself.
"It is not that he comes telling tales to me, he just sorts out the stuff I don't need to know about - then he goes and scores 12 Premier League goals from midfield."
NEWCASTLE UTD FIXTURES:-
Saturday 13th August 2011
Newcastle United v Arsenal 15:00
Saturday 20th August 2011
Sunderland v Newcastle United 15:00
Saturday 27th August 2011
Newcastle United v Fulham 15:00
Saturday 10th September 2011
Queens Park Rangers v Newcastle United 15:00
Saturday 17th September 2011
Aston Villa v Newcastle United 15:00
Saturday 24th September 2011
Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers 15:00
Saturday 01st October 2011
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Newcastle United 15:00
Offer To Toon Fans Continues
Due to the amazing response from NU-Mad readers ... we have decided to continue our offer for you to buy "Magpies In Europe" for the amazing price of £5.99. The offer will end July 1st.
A 'THANK YOU' TO FOOTYMAD READERS ...
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
2010/11 has been NewcastleUtd-Mad's greatest season for page 'hits', and as a thank you to all readers we are giving you the chance (FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY) to purchase "MAGPIES IN EUROPE" for £5.99 (and that includes the postage).
*Normal price is £9.99
OFFER ENDS JULY 1st 2011
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until next season ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
FOREWORD BY FAIRS CUP HERO JOHN McNAMEE
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
From Antwerp to Zurich
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
Or contact: Kevnumad@fsmail.net