Sam Allardyce has been sacked as Newcastle United manager today “by mutual consent,” which is so much the fashion.

Pressure on Allardyce and the Newcastle board has been increasing and the move is likely to fuel speculation that Alan Shearer will become the next Newcastle manager.

However, I feel that Newcastle is making the wrong decision here. I wouldn’t be surprised if Big Sam wanted to leave anyway especially seeing how much pressure he is under and with a squad that still has massive holes in it (albeit, part of that blame can be fixed squarely on Allardyce’s shoulders).

The timing of the decision is odd. Allardyce and his Newcastle team showed heart and desire in the difficult away fixture against Stoke City in the FA Cup. So much so, that Allardyce received a standing ovation from some of the away supporters. Allardyce, that night, was the model of a old fashioned English manager, soaked to his skin from the rain and playing a style of football that wasn’t appealing but it got the job done (barely, that is).

After joining Newcastle from Bolton this past summer, Big Sam was in charge of Newcastle United for 24 matches, winning eight, losing 10 and drawing six.

The predicament that Newcastle United find themselves in now is that they have the January transfer window to bring in a flurry of new players to fix the holes in the back and midfield as well as one additional quality striker (especially if Obafemi Martins leaves). Plus United has to find a manager in short order also.

Alan Shearer, I believe, is the wrong person for the job. He’s as dull as a fish, lacks any managerial experience and has bored audiences for ages on the BBC with his lack of tactical analysis.

Life isn’t going to get any easier for Toon fans. Their next match is against Manchester United.