Sam Allardyce dismisses Newcastle revenge theory

Allardyce's reign at St James' Park ended in disappointment in 2008 when he parted company with the club after just eight months at the helm, a decision that he described as a "shock".

West Ham face Newcastle on Sunday knowing that if they win or draw, and Hull beat Manchester United, the Magpies will drop into the Championship. Allardyce, however, is motivated by another goal.

"It's not about what happens to Newcastle for me. Some have suggested that I'm all up for us winning to send them down, but it's far too far down the road for any of that stuff," Allardyce said.

"It's been a long time since we parted company and looking back to the past is never what I've been about because you can't affect what happens in the past. You learn from it and move on to the future.

"Since Newcastle I've had a fantastic time at Blackburn and then here, at West Ham. It's nearly seven years since I left Newcastle.

"I'm up for for winning on Sunday for West Ham because that's where I work and we want to finish with the 50 points we targeted at the start of the season. Hopefully we can achieve that goal."

West Ham have dropped out of the Champions League places since Christmas and now occupy 11th.

Allardyce, who knows Sunday could be his final match as Hammers boss with his contract set to expire this summer, admits it has been a frustrating end to the season.

"We're all disappointed that we haven't achieved more than we have done," said Allardyce.

"We could have had a great season and matched, with a bit more luck, the best season West Ham have had.

"That was fifth, which would be very difficult in the current climate, but we did have the chance after Christmas. We haven't achieved the results our performances deserve."