Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce admits his big backroom team are taking time to bed down with the players.

Allardyce tried to improve the team spirit last week by sending his squad to the Lake District for a bonding session, which included activities such as orienteering.

With a big influx of backroom staff at St James' Park the manager feels that, once his coaching and medical team also get their feet firmly under the table, it will contribute on the field too.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "With the staff it takes a long time normally but we are doing very well.

"We are off to a good start, I am happy with the points tally we have."