Gullit's brief tenure at St James' Park promised much but delivered little before he departed in 1999.

However, the Dutch legend maintains he enjoyed his time with the club and expects former Bolton boss Allardyce, appointed today, to be a success.

"They need some quality players there," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Not a whole lot, but some quality players. Some local boys are very important - I don't agree with the whole 'foreign legion' and if they find the right mixture...

"Discipline is very important, and Sam is very good in discipline so I think he is the right man in the right place."

Owen's Newcastle career so far has been wrecked by injury. He returned to fitness before the end of the season but already speculation suggests he may move on this summer.

Gullit, though, believes he has unfinished business on Tyneside.

"He has been injured all the time," he said.

"There has been talk about him leaving but I don't know why he would leave because he's done nothing yet.

"This is the first time for him to show how good he is."

Gullit promised to bring "sexy football" when he took over from Kenny Dalglish, but his time at the helm was short amid rumours of dressing room unrest and tales of tension between the manager and local hero Alan Shearer.

The former Chelsea boss, however, has no regrets.

He added: "I had a marvellous time there, the crowd were excellent, all the facilities are there.

"It was a difficult time but a nice experience.

"Expectation is very high there. It's difficult for them, the great players go to Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and it can sometimes be difficult to get the right player."

"Freddy Shepherd was easy to work with, I had a good time with him and he backed me up to the end.

"I just took the decision (to quit) and said 'look, it's better that you do it with another coach'."