Butt calls for Sam support
04 Jan 2008 - 09:03:51
-
- Butt calls for Sam support
Newcastle United midfielder Nicky Butt believes under-fire manager Sam Allardyce should be given more time to turnaround the club.
The former Bolton Wanderers boss came in for fresh criticism after the Magpies picked up just one point from a possible 12 over the festive period.
Reports also suggest Allardyce could be sacked should Newcastle lose Sunday's FA Cup third round tie with Championship side Stoke City.
However, Butt has urged the club to keep faith with Allardyce and warned that another change of manager at St. James' Park could do more harm than good.
"I've been here for three-and-a-half years and I've had four managers," said the former Manchester United and England midfielder.
"Sooner or later someone has got to say this is the manager we're standing by.
"If you look at all the big teams, like United and Arsenal, they're the clubs that have stood by managers for a long time.
"If we do that, I'm sure we'll do it right."
Meanwhile, Butt has urged his team-mates to ease the pressure on Allardyce by stepping up their own performances.
"These are tough times at the moment but all of us in the dressing room just have to stand up and be counted," he added.
"Lately, there have been signs we are improving. Had we taken one of our chances when we lost 2-0 against Manchester City on Wednesday, it could have been a different story.
"We didn't and we have to kick on."