Sam Allardyce, the former manager of Newcastle United, says Mike Ashley's takeover of the club was only ever driven by his desire to make a quick profit.

Allardyce, who left the club by mutual consent in January, admits it is a relief not to be involved in the turmoil at St James' Park, as Ashley, the owner, continues talks with a number of consortia over the potential sale of the club. Ashley made the decision to sell after the club's supporters turned against him following the resignation of Kevin Keegan.

Allardyce, who was sacked by Ashley before Keegan was brought in, believes that selling the club for a profit was always in the businessman's mind.

"It is crystal clear now what the motives were for Mike Ashley," Allardyce said. "I think that he did buy the club in the hope that he could quickly sell it on for a vast profit."

Newcastle sit third bottom of the Barclays Premier League after claiming a single point from their last five games.

"It is going from bad to horrendous and there is part of me that thinks I'm glad I'm out of it," Allardyce added.

"I thought Kevin was going to get the money I didn't get - but the continuous sales and players moving in and out over the summer obviously caused him to conclude the job was untenable and the club was thrown into chaos."