How easy is it for one, apparently innocent, move to upset the footballing equilibrium.

His switch from Bolton Wanderers to St James' Park has - in the short term at least - ruined two clubs and a man's reputation.

There is no doubting that in a decade at the Reebok Stadium he brought unparalleled modern day success to Bolton.

He was the English-born manager we had all been waiting for as Sven Goran Eriksson and then Steve McLaren lost the plot with the national side.

Newcastle were the dormant giants, brimming with potential investment, just waiting to launch a bid to get back among the Premier League big boys.

But one small move has left Bolton struggling for their top flight survival, Newcastle fans revolting against the club and Allardyce's reputation in tatters.

Three for the price of one, if you like.

Allardyce's reputation can be restored - in the right environment.

Let's face it, his achievements at the Reebok were nothing short of miraculous.

Recent attendances show that there is no real stomach among the fans for a relegation battle and to have got Wanderers into Europe for the second time last season was a remarkable feat.

Newcastle's fans appear to be divided between those who want him to stay to provide the stability the club clearly needs if it really is to fulfil its potential and those who want him to go.

The latter camp appear to have based their opinions on the fact that the team is not playing the type of Champagne football they are used to.

Rather like fellow under-achievers Tottenham, only even less successful, Newcastle are, apparently, expected not only to be successful but to entertain at the same time.

Given that the apart from the Texaco Cup in 1974 and 1975 and the First Division in 1993 the last time they won anything significant was the Fairs Cup in 1969 it is difficult to work out where the 'successful' bit come in.

The focus on the struggles of Allardyce, and Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, took some of the gloss off what was an exceptional third round weekend of Cup action.

Huddersfield and Oldham both knocked out top flight opposition, as did Sheffield United and Coventry City.

And what a day for Havant & Waterlooville who, having overcome the disappointment of being paired with Swansea City, came from behind to earn a replay.

And no one should forget Peterborough and their 3-1 victory at Championship Colchester.

Two of the Posh's three goals were scored by Aaron McLean and George Boyd both recently plying their trade in the Conference.

Other ex-Conference men to grab the headlines included Michael Kightley, who scored one and created another as Wolves beat Cambridge, and Bury, for whom Andy Bishop scored in a 1-1 draw at Norwich.

So it's not all about the Premier League and who has the most cash to spend after all.