Theo gets Sam

SAM ALLARDYCE has no chance of winning a popularity contest at Goodison Park – but can take satisfaction that one of his January signings struck against Newcastle last night.

Theo Walcott kept his feet in a crowded penalty area to give Everton some much-needed cheer, and perhaps give Allardyce a response to the fans who have repeatedly called for him to go.

It has been a testing week for Everton’s manager, whose long-term position looks shaky regardless of the outcome of the survey that invited club Walcott, signed from Arsenal for £25million in January.

The winger can be maddeningly inconsistent but he does have the spark to change tight games. It was just what Everton needed to spoil Rafa Benitez’s 100th match as Newcastle manager.

Benitez has worked miracles to drag Newcastle towards safety on a limited budget, yet the uncertainty off the field shows little sign of abating.

Owner Mike Ashley remains under pressure from supporters to leave, having put Newcastle back up for sale last October, but is deeply unconvinced that Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners are the right buyer, describing negotiations with the group as “a waste of time” after they broke down in January.

Newcastle’s push towards safety has effectively increased the club’s value – previously about £300m – towards the £400m mark, as the financial worries that would come with relegation have faded. But it also means a deal with Staveley looks less likely than ever, raising the question of whether Benitez will be given adequate funding for next season.

If not, the former Liverpool manager will question if he should extend a contract that has little more than a year to run. Last night, Newcastle fans’ chants calling for Ashley to go were mixed with taunts about