Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has been installed as the favourite to become the new manager of Newcastle.
Allardyce left Newcastle by ‘mutual agreement’ on Wednesday evening after just 24 games in charge and Redknapp is now widely regarded to be the number one choice of owner Mike Ashley.
In a statement on the Premier League club’s Web site, Newcastle said the decision had been reached by mutual agreement but earlier in the day Allardyce told Sky Sports that if he was leaving it was “news to me.”
“A new manager has not yet been appointed. We will make a further announcement on the managerial position when appropriate,” said club chairman Chris Mort.
Allardyce said: “I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle United but I wish the club all the best for the remainder of the season and for the future.”
The former Bolton boss had been under immense pressure since taking over at St James’ in the summer and Sunday’s goalless draw in teh FA Cup encounter with Stoke City appears to have been the final straw for the club hierarchy.
Alan Shearer is the favoured successor among the fans at St James’ Park, but the former Newcastle and England striker has distanced himself from the job.
Redknapp, who has steered Portsmouth to eighth in the Premier League, claims he has had no contact with Newcastle
“I really do not know anything about this. I have not spoken to anyone from Newcastle,” Redknapp told The News.
“When I saw Sam had left my immediate thoughts were that Alan Shearer was a certainty to take over.
“There’s nothing in my being linked with the job. I had an offer not so long ago to take over at what I consider a massive club but I didn’t go.
“I am happy down on the south coast.”.
Newcastle are searching for their seventh manager in 11 years and Magpies assistant manager Nigel Pearson has been put in temporary charge for Saturday’s match against Manchester United.
