While Newcastle United’s players were as surprised as anyone by Sam Allardyce’s dismissal, there is enthusiasm about the prospect of working with his successor. Speaking before this week’s developments, Michael Owen lavished praise on Harry Redknapp’s “fantastic” achievements at Portsmouth and there is a hope for a more harmonious relationship between dressing-room and manager.

Allardyce’s rigorous and scientific approach, which served him admirably at Bolton Wanderers, created tensions with some senior Newcastle players that was not relieved by dour performances. Although there is little appetite for another round of instability at St James’ Park, there is recognition that a fresh start may serve to improve some depressed results.

“I’ve come across him once or twice on the horse racing front,” Owen said of Redknapp. “Obviously I’ve had more to do with his son, Jamie, over the years, but Harry has done fantastically well in lots of places. None more so than the place where he’s at now [Portsmouth]. He’s really dragged them up and they are a big force to be reckoned with now.

“You’ve got the play the cards that you are dealt, in a way. He probably hasn’t had massive backing at any of the clubs he’s been at over the years, so he’s had to do that, but I’m sure that if you gave him a lot of money to spend, he would spend it wisely as well. Some people have that knack. He’s had to wheel and deal and been very successful at it.”

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If Ashley cannot parade Allardyce’s successor in time for the match with Manchester United on Saturday, this is amateur night at the Roxy

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Background

• Newcastle forced to fight for Redknapp

• Redknapp: 'I am happy down on South Coast'

• Allardyce ‘not bitter’ as he takes break

• Why Newcastle is nothing more than a slog

Background

• Harry Redknapp is favourite for Newcastle madhouse

• Ashley must dig his club out of another mess

• Allardyce will be looking back in anger

• Alan Shearer is the man for the fans

Background

• Wilkinson angry over managerial departures

• Talk of move for Redknapp has familiar ring

• Martin Jol ideally placed to step in

• Newcastle madhouse: what the fans say

Multimedia

• Vote: Who should be the next Newcastle manager?

• Vote: Were Newcastle right to sack Allardyce?

• Video: Watch Harry having a ball during training

Related Links

• Why Newcastle is nothing more than a slog

• Redknapp: 'I am happy down on South Coast'

• Newcastle forced to fight for Redknapp

Allardyce remains bemused and disappointed by his departure eight months after replacing Glenn Roeder, but after a family holiday he intends to return to the game. “I still don’t know why it happened,” he said. “You can only ask Chris [Mort, the Newcastle chairman] that question. I shall take a break with my wife, have a little bit of recharging the batteries and come back and move on with my football career.

“I want to be a manager again. I’m addicted to it. I’ve not done my time anyway. I have said in the past that I could pack it in at around 55 but I’m only 53 and I might revise the timescale if the right offer comes along.

“When I do a job I’m fully committed and I know what works. I believe it would have worked at Newcastle.”

Despite his shock at being relieved of his duties, Allardyce will not hold grudges. “I think when people make a decision, there is nothing you can do about it,” he said. “There is no point being bitter and twisted about it.”