Big Sam lands at Newcastle

SAM ALLARDYCE has been handed the Newcastle job.

The ex-Bolton boss has signed a three-year contract at St James' Park today.

Allardyce, 52, takes over from Glenn Roeder, who resigned last week.

Big Sam arrived by heliocopter and met players at the training ground.

One of his first tasks will be to tackle the dressing room unrest with £10million ace Obafemi Martins and Charles N’Zogbia ready to leave.

And Michael Owen’s future on Tyneside remains in doubt with the England striker linked with a £9million despite missing most of the season.

Allardyce left Bolton last month after eight years in Lancashire, with his assistant Sammy Lee taking over.

But the new Toon boss is expected to tempt several key backroom staff from the Reebok.