Steve Harper and Shay Given woke up today, read the paper, and splattered it with half chewed corn flakes when they read allegations that they had gone to Big Sam in a three-man ‘player revolt’ to gripe about his tactics.
Harper and Given issued a joint denial saying:
“Having seen an article in one of this morning’s national newspapers, we feel it is vitally important that Newcastle United’s two longest-serving players set the record straight. The story that has appeared is total and utter nonsense. Sam Allardyce has the full backing and support of every Newcastle United player and we are all working together as one to bring success to the football club.”
So it looks like these two players at least were part of no such revolt, and the whole this is tabloid cloud cuckooland chatter. Allardyce, who has managed 1 point in last 15 and conceded 13 goals in that period is under increasing pressbure – BUT a look at the bigger picture shows 17 points in the previous 9…Allardyce started much worse at Bolton, Redknapp started much worse at Portsmouth, and even the mighty Sir Alex Ferguson had a very shaky start at Manchester United.