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Newcastle won't expect any favours from Sam Allardyce

John Carver
Image: John Carver: Newcastle fighting for their life

John Carver says he’s well aware that Newcastle can expect no favours from former boss Sam Allardyce when he brings his West Ham side to St James’ Park on Survival Sunday.

Current boss Carver will go head-to-head with the man sacked by Magpies owner Mike Ashley in January 2008, with the home side in desperate need of a first win in 11 games if they are to condemn Hull to the drop and retain their own Premier League status on the final day of the season.

Allardyce was shown the door after just eight months in charge at Newcastle, with the Hammers boss using his pay-off to buy a Costa Blanca holiday home which he named 'Casa St James'.

Despite there being little love lost between Allardyce and his former employers, Carver believes professional pride would see his West Ham side turn up looking for three points on the final day no matter what.

The 50-year-old said: "No matter who it is - and I know Sam has been the manager here and Neil McDonald is at the club, who is a good friend of mine - you want to win games.

"No matter who you're playing against, and even when people are saying there's nothing at stake, you still want to win. Your pride tells you that. This weekend is going to be no different.

"But I'm not bothered about what he's thinking or who is coming here. I'm just bothered about us, I really am.

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"I've not spoken to anyone. Neil has sent me a text, but I've not even replied to him. He's my mate, but I'm not interested in West Ham United and Sam."

Former skipper Kevin Nolan, who led Newcastle back into the top flight after relegation in 2009 and who is revered on Tyneside for scoring a derby day hat-trick against Sunderland, will also make a return to the club.

Nolan’s return will come just one week after his old Newcastle team-mate Joey Barton helped QPR to a 2-1 win over the Magpies to ensure a nail-biting final day on Sunday.

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Carver said: "Kevin was great for this football club, great, and he's been great for Sam everywhere he's gone.

"But like Joey last weekend, he won't be doing us any favours. Joey didn't do us any favours, and I'm sure Kevin will be the same."

A Newcastle win will ensure safety regardless of what Hull do at home to Manchester United, but that is something they have not managed since February 28.

Anything less could prove fatal with the Tigers, who trail the Magpies by two points, enjoying a superior goal difference.

Midfielder Siem de Jong could feature following his return to training after a thigh problem, but central defender Mike Williamson is definitely available again after serving a two-match ban for his dismissal at Leicester.

On that occasion Carver suggested Williamson had deliberately collected the red card in the damaging 3-0 defeat, but he insists the rift his comments caused has healed.

Carver said: "I've shaken hands with Mike and that's forgotten. I'm like that. I can fall out with someone one day and then be their best friend the next - look at Craig Bellamy a few years ago.

"That's just the way I am. I don't hold a grudge and that's important. I'll say what I have to say, as I did with Mike, but then I'll clear the slate."

Watch Newcastle v West Ham as part of Survival Sunday on Sky Sports 1 from 2pm on Sunday, May 24.

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