O'Neill has taken Villa to seventh in the table in his second year as boss

Allardyce was sacked as Newcastle boss just eight months into his reign at St James' Park and O'Neill said: "I sympathise. It's absolutely crazy.

"If you were put into a job in the city, the first thing you would ask for is time. It takes a while to gel.

"But with football, it's absolutely out of hand. It's so crazy now."

Other top flight managers to have been given the axe this term include Jose Mourinho, Martin Jol and Billy Davies.

And O'Neill says the days of a manager being given time to stamp his authority on a side are gone.

He said: "When I was a player, managers were getting sacked but they were getting two years in a job. Now it's two minutes.

606: DEBATE Performances under Allardyce were the worst in living memory for Newcastle zeppelins_attack!

"In Sam's few months at Newcastle he might not have even found out the correct strength of the reserve side. He might have players injured that he doesn't know much about.

"I know from my experience at Leicester, Celtic and even here. The minute you come in, you're in charge.

"You don't get time in football. I'd love to say I have a five-year plan or ideas for the youth team. Have a bit of sense - it just doesn't happen."