The Magpies will travel to the Reebok Stadium for the new season curtain raiser on the weekend of August 11, although the date is likely to be moved to the Sunday for Sky TV.Bolton Delighted To Have Sam Back
The Magpies will travel to the Reebok Stadium for the new season curtain raiser on the weekend of August 11, although the date is likely to be moved to the Sunday for Sky TV.The Newcastle manager does not anticipate a hostile reception after leaving Bolton for Tyneside.
Allardyce: "I'd probably prefer it if it was a bit later on. Going back there on the first day of the season, it's always going to be an exciting time.
"It's going to add some spice to it and it will give everybody there a lift I'm sure. Not many Newcastle teams in the past have done well there. I think Bolton have won the last five home fixtures so we've got to put that right to start with.
"Of course, I know everybody there, I had eight great years there and I'm sure Sammy Lee will try to play it down a bit, but I think, deep down inside, they will be all guns blazing to make sure I have a miserable afternoon.
"I wouldn't have thought I'll get a negative response, but you never know in this game. People have short memories sometimes, but for me, if the fans are giving me some stick, it won't be for what I've done, it will be because Newcastle are winning and, if that's the case, I can take it."