Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce says Alan Pardew didn't receive necessary support at Newcastle United.

Allardyce, like Pardew an ex-Newcastle boss, thinks his counterpart suffered to some extent for the Toon's policy of selling their best players - notably France midfielder Yohan Cabaye, 29.

He moved to Paris St-Germain for around £20m in January 2014 but was reunited with Pardew at Crystal Palace this summer in a £13m deal.

Allardyce said: "It's not easy when your best player leaves and you have to try to replace him.''