Stuck with 'Dew until 2016
December 10th 2010 10:27
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
Alan Pardew has now been unveiled as the new manager of Newcastle United, on a five-and-a-half-year contract. The length of the deal proves that this is no knee jerk reaction, and that the former Southampton, West Ham, Charlton and Reading boss, has long been in owner Mike Ashley's plans.
In his first press conference as Toon manager, Pardew said that other Premier League managers had been in touch, telling him he was 'mad' to take the post. But after the sacking of Chris Hughton, and replacing him with a man who is by no means a better manager, Newcastle fans tend to think someone else making decisions at St James' Park, is the mad one!
Having reportedly been in negotiations to take the hot seat for 10 days, Pardew's press conference was well rehearsed. He gave good responses to questions asked of him, perhaps passing his first test. But as Magpies fans have learnt in recent years, talking is one thing, but he needs results on the pitch.
The lengthy contract was, according to the new boss, as a result of him playing hard ball. 'I wanted to be tough on the length of the contract, and give myself as much stability at a club that hasn't had much stability with managers'.
Pardew also stated, that a demand he made before signing, was that Ashley gave him assurances star striker, Andy Carroll, would not be sold. 'This club has been crying out for another number nine, and he looks like he's fitting the bill. So I made it very clear that he needs to stay.'
While winning over the fans, seething at popular Hughton's dismissal, will be difficult, Pardew's first aim must be winning over the players. Sol Campbell and Jose Enrique have come out to the press, putting on record their disbelief at Hughton's sacking. Other key squad members such as Alan Smith, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, Andy Carroll and Jonas, are also known to have had a close bond with the former manager. Hughton's great man management skills got the best out of these players, can Pardew replicate this?
Then there is the question of Steven Taylor. Can he persuade the 24-year-old centre back, to sign a new contract, with his expiring this coming summer? The players signed by Hughton this Summer, are also bound to be disillusioned, at this managerial turnaround.
Alan Pardew, to his credit, was quick to point to the success of Hughton's regime, aiming to build on it, not tear it down and start again. As expected, he did not give any insight as to why he is now in charge instead. One encouraging thing as a fan, is that now Ashley has the man he wants in charge, maybe he will back him in the transfer market, which he has failed to do in the past?
As a passionate fan, it is a tricky situation. Given the length of the contract, there is no point hoping Pardew fails, and gets the sack. It is obvious that Ashley will back him through thick and thin, and even if we got relegated this season, he would stay as manager. So I wish Alan Pardew all the best, and I just hope that Newcastle's owner has made a good decision, though it certainly doesn't seem like it right now.
Pardew's first match as Toon manager, comes this weekend, at home against Liverpool in the Premier League.
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