In a straight talking interview Mort says Allardyce has not got the defence right, even though he has spent millions trying.
And Mort has no intention of buying players in the January transfer window simply to cover four players who will be away for a few weeks on international duty in Africa.
He also says "we need young players" that will wait their time to mature into top players, not Allardyce's usual style of bringing in old players and trying to roll back the years.
Braced for the prospect of losing Abdoulaye Faye, Habib Beye, Geremi and Obafemi Martins for six weeks or more in January and February to the African Nations Cup, Allardyce had hoped to sign replacements.
Mort: "We had nine new signings in the summer . . . I think part of the difficulty we've had - particularly in defence - is getting those guys working together.
"If I made any signings in January, they'd be young guys who I could see staying for a very long time, not immediate first-team regulars.
"Sam's not pitched to me that we need to sign players because of the African Nations Cup.
"If I was going to sign anyone it would be with a much longer-term view than January and February.
"Yes, we're looking to build a first- team squad capable of competing at the top level, but we are also looking to improve at youth level and make signings there.
"That's an area which Newcastle United, historically, hasn't worried too much about. But Arsenal are the classic club to look at and see the value of making very smart young signings and developing players."