Allardyce set to lose Macca

Neil McDonald is this morning being reported as being set for a move away from Upton Park – stripping Sam Allardyce of his long term assistant.

Macca has now become odds on favourite to take over at struggling League 2 club Carlisle.

The 48 year old first joined Allardyce in 2000 at Bolton, leaving in 2006 to manage Carlisle where he stayed for a season.

But in August 2007 a statement was issued declaring: “The board of Carlisle United regret to say that they have lost confidence in Neil McDonald and are terminating his contract forthwith.”

He then had spells at Swedish club Östersunds FK, Lincoln City and leeds before rejoining Allardyce at Blackburn Rovers.

Now , it appears he could be on his way back to the north east, after watching from the directors box as his former club drew 4-4 against AFC WImbledon at Brunton Park on Saturday.

It will be a blow to Allardyce should it happens as he faces up to perhaps his most critical season at the Boleyn.