CHAIRMAN Phil Gartside paid an emotional tribute to former boss Sam Allardyce after watching Wanderers qualify for Europe for the second time in three seasons.

Allardyce, who is hotly tipped to be unveiled as Newcastle manager on Wednesday, accepted Gartside's offer to watch the game by his side from the stands - a sight which had become familiar to fans at the Reebok Stadium over recent seasons.

And even though the chairman said he was excited to usher in a new era under Sammy Lee - he took a moment to acknowledge the man who helped guide the club from mid-table in the Championship to a regular feature of the Premiership top five.

"It's fantastic, it's what we have all worked for," Gartside said after the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa which secured a place in next season's UEFA Cup. It's a credit to everyone - including Sam Allardyce.

"I'm really glad he came today, even though I didn't know he would be here until the last minute.

"We had a good chat, a good laugh, we talked about some different things and it was nice to have him back.

"I grabbed him when we scored, but I'm not sure why. But now I wish him all the best, whatever he does, and look forward to the future with a man I trust to take us forward, Sammy Lee."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is in no doubt that Allardyce will become a huge success should he move to Tyneside.

"Sam will be ready for Newcastle, of course," said the Ulsterman who has guided Villa to 11th in his first season in charge.

"I think he feels himself this is it', and it's a great chance for him and a great opportunity because Newcastle are a fantastic football club."

Villa's fine end to the season has encouraged O'Neill that a bright future lies ahead at Villa Park.

They ended the campaign unbeaten in nine games and in Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew, Villa clearly possess an exciting strikeforce.

O'Neill said: "We've obviously been very satisfied with the way that we've finished the season.

"But, aside from that, the way we've been playing has also been very pleasing.

"We've played with a lot of panache, we've scored some wonderful goals in the last few weeks and we've gone away from home and try to play."