Sam set for troubled Magpies
15 May 2007 - 07:33:19
Newcastle United are poised to unveil Sam Allardyce at a 1pm press conference at St James' Park but the new manager will inherit a troubled dressing room, according to Magpies midfielder Nicky Butt.
Butt has slammed the attitude of some of his team-mates who he claims do not give 100 per cent for the club.
But the former Manchester United midfielder believes Allardyce - who is widely expected to be named Glenn Roeder's successor - is the right man to sort out the indiscipline at the club.
Reports from the north-east on Monday suggested striker Obafemi Martins has walked out on the club and looks certain to be playing his football elsewhere next season.
The news came in the wake of caretaker manager Nigel Pearson's decision to drop Charles N'Zogbia from the substitute's bench for the draw with Watford on Sunday.
"We haven't been told anything yet, but we have heard the speculation about Sam and everyone seems confident it is going to be him," said Butt.
"Hopefully, he will be brought into the club and sort a few things out.
"The majority of the players in the changing room work hard and are good professionals.
"But there are a few who, generally, don't want to play for the club. The sooner that is sorted out, the better.
"I am not one to criticise my team-mates, but there are genuinely one or two players who don't want to be here.
"There are some players who have bad spells, but they give 100 per cent in every game.
"But when there are other people who have the ability to do well, yet don't always want to do well and that is wrong."
