Newcastle reveal Sam Allardyce as their new boss in May 2007 following the resignation of Glenn Roeder

Big Sam has eight successful years in charge at Bolton before signing the three-year deal at St James' Park

The new boss signs nine players during the summer break including the controversial figure of Joey Barton for �5.8m

Allardyce enjoys a dream opening to the job as he guides Newcastle to a 3-1 win at his old club Bolton

After a solid start to the season his side slip up with a 1-0 loss to Premier League strugglers Derby County in September

Cracks begin to appear in his relationship with the Toon Army as Portsmouth thump Newcastle 4-1 on Tyneside in November

The Portsmouth humiliation is followed by another home loss three weeks later - this time a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool

After losing 3-1 to Birmingham Allardyce and Newcastle owner Mike Ashley watch their side earn a point against Arsenal

Things improve for Sam as Newcastle come from behind to beat Birmingham 2-1 in the last minute at St James' Park

Christmas is not kind to Allardyce as Newcastle lose to Wigan, Chelsea and finally 2-0 at home to Manchester City

Newcastle then draw 0-0 against Stoke City in the FA Cup in what proves to be his final match in charge

The day after leaving Newcastle, Allardyce says he is disappointed but not "bitter" about the club's decision