Sam Allardyce: I was too modern for Newcastle fans

Sam Allardyce claims the Toon Army drove him out of Newcastle because they could not grasp his modern methods.

Allardyce overhauled Newcastle's coaching structure in his ill-fated reign, bringing in nutritionists, fitness experts and sports psychologists.

But the Geordies never took to Big Sam with his earpieces, ice baths and two TV screens in the directors' box. He faces Newcastle at Ewood Park today for the first time since they sacked him a year ago and is sad they have undone his work.

"I can't help it if they can't understand," said the Blackburn boss. "These are the outside influences, which try and put a negative spin on what is a necessity to be successful. Newcastle spent money on great players, but didn't keep them fit enough to produce performances on a consistent basis that Newcastle needed.

"It was the best staff Newcastle have ever had behind the scenes. Now I've gone and they've all gone too."