Allardyce: Just get on with it!
Sam Allardyce has told Mike Ashley and Rafa Benitez to patch up their relationship – and “get on with it” at Newcastle United.
Allardyce was Ashley’s first sacking at St James’s Park, with the club’s owner having inherited thim when he took over at St James’s Park 11 years ago.
The 63-year-old went on to manage Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton. He also had a short spell as England manager in 2016.
And Allardyce – who has clashed with Benitez in the past – has had his say on what needs to happen at his old club.
“If you’re going to be successful, harmony at the top’s very important – communication and pulling in the right direction,” said Allardyce.
“Whether that’s happening with Rafa and Mike, I’m not privy to that information, but, certainly, from my point of view as a manager, the relationship between the owners and you as a manager is critical.
“(A club) can succeed, but you have to put your differences to one side, both the owner and you, as the manager, and work together to get on with the job.
“Whether you like each other or not doesn’t particularly matter, as long as you do the business and the best for the football club.
“The Newcastle fans give (Ashley) a lot of stick, but he is the owner of the football club and he has put his money in. Whether that’s enough or not, he decides how much money he wants to give the club, and it’s up to you as the manager to try and spend that as wisely as you can.
“Only time will tell if Rafa has. He certainly did last year. He finished very, very strongly. This year’s a difficult start.”