Newcastle accept Roeder resignation

Newcastle have confirmed they have accepted Glenn Roeder's resignation as manager as they launched the search for his successor.

The 51-year-old called it a day after 15 months on Sunday and his departure was now been made official.

A statement issued through the club's official website said: "Newcastle United announce that Glenn Roeder has offered his resignation as team manager with immediate effect and this has been accepted by the Newcastle United board."

Roeder's decision was made after an emergency meeting called on Sunday in the wake of Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Blackburn, the final straw for disgruntled supporters who have seen the season lurch from one disaster to another.

It is not yet clear who will take charge for Sunday's final Barclays Premiership fixture at Watford, but the hunt for Roeder's successor is already underway and at least one bookmaker has stopped taking bets on former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce, who was backed down to 1/4 before Ladbrokes closed the book on his appointment yesterday, recently quit after eight years at the Reebok Stadium.

He was courted by Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd in 2004 after Sir Bobby Robson's dismissal, but turned the job down, a factor which meant he was not considered again when Robson's successor Graeme Souness was sacked in February last year.

However, while Allardyce is now available and Shepherd could be prepared to swallow his pride, he still has two and a half years remaining on his Bolton contract and that would mean a sizeable compensation payment.