SAM Allardyce has played down the hostile response Wanderers fans gave Michael Ricketts at Newcastleon Wednesday night.

"I wasn't surprised by it," the manager said, reacting to the chorus of boos from the away section of St James' Park as the wantaway striker appeared as a second half substitute.

"When somebody asks for a transfer it has to go public and the fans are going to hear about it. Michael has to start scoring goals as often as he can and it will resolve itself eventually."

A quick poll on this website showed two-thirds of the fans who voted were not interested in Ricketts playing for Wanderers any more.