NEWCASTLE manager Sam Allardyce gives the impression he is satisfied with life on Tyneside but it still hasn't stopped him striving for more. The United boss insisted the club still has 'a long way to go' before they are a major Premier League force after he extended his unbeaten run in charge at St James' Park following the 1-0 victory over Wigan.

He said: "We've had nine (players) in and nine out and I have increased the backroom staff by 50 per cent. There is still a long way to go, but a lot has been done in three months.

"We're all new now and working towards the same goal and getting to know each other. The staff are getting to know me and what I am looking for and what I demand, and it can only get better for me.

"There is only Middlesbrough away where we dropped two points. I didn't think we deserved any more than a point against Aston Villa. We deserved the win against Wigan, and Barnsley was comfortable. Sometimes you need a bit of luck and then you get Arsenal away in the next round (of the Carling Cup).

"It hasn't been kind to us and we'll have a big week that week. We'll have to play Sunday, then Wednesday and then Saturday morning against Man City. These things can have a big effect on your squad.

"But if we keep going undefeated the confidence will grow and we will learn about each other a lot quicker because you are more receptive than when you're losing. When you're losing it is my fault because they don't know me too well. So I'm looking for them not to find an excuse."

Club captain Geremi meanwhile has hailed Saturday's match-winner Michael Owen, and has predicted an avalanche of more goals to follow.

"The first goal was important for him," said the Cameroon international. "Once he got that, I always thought others would follow on and he has continued his scoring run.

"We know the qualities he has. He's a great striker who scores goals. He can smell goals, we've seen that. He's not a big player but he scored with his head because he reads the game so well. He knows where to expect the ball.''

And Geremi was quick to compare Owen to his former Real Madrid team-mate Raul.

He said: "He's the same type of player as Raul. Neither are big, but both are similar, playing the game the same. When he's fit, Michael is a lot quicker than Raul.

"It's not just about Michael, though. As a team we're getting better and better. We hope we will continue to improve."