Souness Slams Bolton Tactics, But Sam Hits Back

By Matthew Jones
November 1 2004

Graeme Souness blames Bolton's tactics of long throw-ins and set-pieces for Newcastle's defeat at the weekend.

Kevin Davies' 70th-minute goal secured three points for Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday, and Newcastle's unbeaten run under Graeme Souness came to an end.

Souness commented:

"That game was difficult for a goalkeeper.

"You have to look at all the throw-ins and set-pieces being launched at him."

But Sam Allardyce responded:

"Graeme is knackered because little old Bolton have beaten Newcastle. He should not comment on my team. He should look at their performance, not look at our performance.

"His responsibility is to look at his team. They could not cope with my side. We were too good for them.

"Newcastle were not very fluent because we did not allow them to be. We nullified all their strengths. We did a massive job in stopping an unbelievable strike force. It was only a wonder goal that stopped us."