Is Big Sam Big Enough For The Big Job?
Last updated : 04 November 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
The Newcastle boss was left shaking his head as a section of supporters standing close to the dug-out told him exactly what they thought of his bizarre tactics.
He didn't give much of an answer back, or so I think (from what I could see from my seat in the Leazes), but the point was certainly made. And he must have been gutted to see thousands of fans leave long before the end.
Allardyce says he was "devastated" after seeing his side ripped apart by Portsmouth 4-1 at St James' Park.
Allardyce: "Disappointed is an understatement - I am devastated by what has happened here today. I am completely gutted inside.
"What I put out on the field of play is an extension of me, it is what I am.
"The players have to go out and emulate that and put a performance on, be organised, understand how they should play, keep their shape, keep their discipline, use their abilities in the right areas, make sure they help their mate out if he has made a mistake and really go out and use their talents in the right part of the field.
"Unfortunately today, that did not happen. We lost all our discipline in the end and all our shape and organisation.
"Going chasing lost causes means you lose even deeper and harder and longer.
"We were our own worst enemy today. Portsmouth did not have to put us to the test because we gifted them the game in those 12 minutes.
"We lost the game in the shortest period of time ever since I have been here. That sums it up, basically.
"While you can work as hard as you want in the week and put as much into your players as you possibly can and look forward to playing at home where we have done so well and have played with so much confidence, it was all destroyed in a 12-minute period at the beginning of the game."
