Sam Allardyce has said that it is "important" that Newcastle United's summer signings begin to hit form soon.

The Magpies have endured a torrid start to the season and have lost their last four games in all competitions, including a 1-0 League Cup third-round defeat at home to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

Allardyce - who spent a nine-month spell in charge of Newcastle during the 2007-08 season - told Sky Sports News that the summer arrivals must bed in quickly if their form is to improve.

He said: "The Newcastle fans were crying out over a lack of signings last year.

"Now they've gone and made those signings and we all know one of the most important things is who you recruit when you're spending £30m, £40m, £50m.

"When players come from abroad you cannot really say whether they're going to be successful or not. You just hope they can take the form they've shown in the country they've been playing in into the Premier League."

Allardyce has recently said that he may never manage again.