Shadow of Big Sam Hangs Heavily Over Turgid Homecoming

Sam Allardyce was thousands of miles away, sunning himself on a beach in Barbados, but still managed to cast a substantial shadow over Kevin Keegan's latest stab at miracle-working.

A game blemished by shocking time-wasting tactics, far too many balls crashing towards the corners, over dependence on set pieces and an alarming absence of invention confirmed that Allardyce has left large managerial footprints all over Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers. Such imprints duly ensured that the electronic hoarding advertising Northern Rock - Newcastle's stricken sponsor - with the words "Rock On" proved risible on two fronts. Indeed events on the pitch were frequently so dull that it was tempting to try to fathom out precisely how much of your annual tax bill was being invested in propping up the ailing bank.

Happily one little touchline cameo contained a glimmer of hope for Newcastle's future. Having seen Nigel Pearson, Allardyce's erstwhile assistant, step into the technical area and instruct his full-backs to launch the ball deep into opposition territory, Keegan hastily shrugged him aside and signaled he wanted it played through midfield.

If it is small wonder Newcastle frequently looked confused, Bolton knew precisely what to do. Gary Megson claimed his team were the mere pantomime horse in the "Geordie Messiah's" latest theatrical production but they possessed an at times menacing kick and enjoyed the evening's best chance when Shay Given's left leg deflected the substitute Jlloyd Samuel's late point-blank volley.

"We came here to spoil the party and might have nicked it at the end," enthused Andy O'Brien, Bolton's former Newcastle centre-half. "Everybody expected us to get battered but Newcastle are only six points ahead of us and it always looked like it was only going to be a mistake or a set piece that would lead to a goal."

In his former life as a midfielder, Megson played briefly for Newcastle. "I enjoyed my time here but I'm not sure the supporters enjoyed me quite so much," he joked. "Long term I can see this place competing with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal but Kevin's got to get through this season first. It's inconceivable they'll go down but Newcastle have 27 points which is not enough to stay up yet. It'll be next season when you see an entirely different side here."

Judging by the way Keegan - a man prone to instant judgments - constantly chided José Enrique, the less than sophisticated Spanish left-back who cost Allardyce more than £6m, the defender dubbed "The Bull" - as in a china shop - is unlikely to be here next term.

Keegan could do worse than replace Enrique with Ricardo Gardner. "That's the best Ricardo's played for me and credit goes to Simone Gardner," said Megson. "I spoke to his wife last night; I took the phone off him and told her, 'I can't get him to defend properly,' and she's probably told him to get his arse into gear."

Which is something Allardyce apparently believed Ameobi incapable of. Very much the invisible man at St James' in recent months, the striker made an unexpected comeback. "King Kev has given me a lifeline," he said. "Sam had his guys and unfortunately I was not in his plans. Being frozen out was a hard pill to swallow, especially after being here so long. I did have conversations with Sam but he had his views and I had mine. Now, though, it's a clean slate for everyone - that's something Kevin said straight away - and it's music to my ears."

Ameobi thrives on praise and Keegan spoke warmly about the former England Under-21 international. "The players have lacked self-belief this season," said Ameobi. "That's the first thing Kevin wants to instill. We have not played to our potential; he's here to get that out of us. He told us to go out and enjoy it today."

How long must it be since a Newcastle manager last suggested a game might be fun?

Man of the match: Ricardo Gardner

Not only suppressed James Milner but proved arguably Bolton's most attack-minded player. Made a series of vital interceptions and the accuracy of his delivery impressed

Best moment: Having dispossessed Milner, he whipped in a dangerous cross which just eluded Kevin Davies