Sam hits back over Toon fitness jibes

Sam Allardyce has hit back at suggestions Newcastle were not fit enough during his eight-month spell in charge at St James' Park.

Winger Damien Duff last week was quoted as saying fitness had improved under Kevin Keegan but Allardyce has described the allegation as an excuse as the Magpies continue their descent into the Premier League relegation zone.

Allardyce said:
“There wasn't anything wrong with match fitness when I was there. That's a bit of an excuse. Sometimes fitness is a mental thing. The fear factor can drain an awful lot out of players so that may be the problem at the moment. There is also a lack of confidence and it can boil down to that, not a lack of match fitness.

The former Bolton boss has pinpointed the upcoming games against Birmingham and Fulham as vital to the Magpies' fortunes.

Allardyce continued:
“They have experienced and talented players but they must get a result pretty soon. They have Birmingham and Fulham in the next few games and they could be the big matches - the turning point for Kevin and the team.

Allardyce has also targeted a summer return to management, saying:
“I would like to come back, if I had my way, in the summer. But we'll have to wait and see what turns up.