Has Allardyce Found His New Gary Speed?

"I didn't really have a target last season, but I'd be disappointed if I didn't get between eight and 10 goals a season.

"But I don't think that's the main thing - the main thing is to win as a team."

As for the bagage that comes with the player, his past has obviously followed him to Tyneside. But he says Sam Allardyce is the man to stand up to him.

Barton: "If you're right, you're right. He'll agree with you.

"But if you're wrong, he'll stand up to you.

"You need challenging, and when I signed, the gaffer said he could get an extra 25 per cent out of me."