HOW the mighty have fallen. This time last year, 'Big' Sam Allardyce was widely regarded as one of the best managers in the English game after turning Bolton into one of the most consistent teams in the Premier League.

Now 12 months on, Allardyce is the manager of Newcastle United and, after a rocky start to his career on Tyneside, it would appear he faces a battle to hang onto his job.

Just what is it about the Newcastle job that makes it such a poisoned chalice?

Over the last 10 years, some of the biggest names in football have occupied the St James' Park hot-seat: Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, Sir Bobby Robson and Graeme Souness.

Yet, despite being backed to the hilt financially by the Newcastle board, none were able to deliver the kind of success the fans crave and they ended up finding themselves out of a job.

Now Allardyce is the man firmly under the spotlight, after what can only be described as a less than impressive start to his reign in the North East.

I think he's quickly discovered it's one thing managing Bolton, where mere survival is considered an achievement, and quite another taking charge of a club like Newcastle, where the expectations of the fans can sit heavily on your shoulders.

In fairness to Sam, when he first took over he did say straight away there would be no quick fixes as he tried to reverse years of underachievement.

However, the Newcastle public are not known for their patience, and some have even began calling for a change of manager barely three months into the season, which is a knee-jerk reaction even by the Toon Army's standards.

To be honest, I thought the appointment of Allardyce was a strange one in the first place.

As well as success, the Newcastle fans also demand entertaining football, and Sam was hardly renowned for that during his days at the Reebok.

Perhaps that was the reason why Freddie Shepherd brought him in - because he believed the club needed to go in a different direction.

That's all very well, providing it leads to an upturn in fortunes but, right now, Newcastle are not just playing unattractive football, they are also struggling for results, too, which has prompted some to question Allardyce's methods.

To be fair to Sam, his job has not been made easier by the presence of two powerful figures lurking menacingly in the background.

I think it's clear to see he's not the preferred choice of new owner, Mike Ashley, who bought into the club shortly after Allardyce was appointed.

And then there's Alan Shearer, a Messiah to the Toon Army, who has started to make noises that he could be ready to launch a career in management.

It's not a question of if' but when' big Al will manage Newcastle, and the clamour for him to be appointed will only get louder the longer Allardyce continues to flounder.

With that in mind, Rovers could hardly wish for a better time to face the Geordies.

After Wednesday night's shock reversal against Aston Villa, it's vital from a confidence point of view that Rovers bounce back with a strong performance at Ewood.

The first goal will, therefore, be crucial. If it goes Rovers' way, it could be a long afternoon for Big' Sam.