Sunday 15 May 2016 13:24, UK
Rafa Benitez will want control over Newcastle's transfers if he is to stay at the club in the Championship, says Sam Allardyce.
Benitez will make a decision on his future at the club in the next two weeks after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed in midweek by Allardyce's Sunderland side, who beat Everton.
Speaking on Goals on Sunday, Allardyce said the stats-based analysis from those outside of the management team can often cloud judgement on a potential signing, and says Benitez will want more of a say as to who comes in.
"What's interesting for me, and the big thing for Newcastle at the moment, is that Rafa hasn't made his mind up," said Allardyce, who has previously managed Newcastle.
"He did make a difference obviously, he did what he had to and tightened the defence up straight away.
"He wants to be more in control of the ins and outs of players. As a manager there tends to be a lot of structuring above in ownership these days, where a lot of people come together.
"I'm a big analysis man, as you know, but analysis doesn't find you a good player. It gives you the stats, but you can't run on them.
"I get a bit worried about the choices being made in the way they become stats-based. But unless you've got the scouts who go and look at these players, then you know whether the signings are going to be right or wrong for you."
Allardyce departed Newcastle in 2008, and though Sunderland fans widely celebrated the relegation of their bitter rivals on Wednesday, the 61-year-old says the loss is a blow for the north-east.
"I personally think it's good for the area to have both clubs fighting against each other, it's a terrific derby, a terrific occasion.
"This one is special like them all. To lose it, I think, is a blow for the area."
