Acrimonious is probably an understatement when describing the departure of Chris Hughton from Tyneside last week. But with his successor, Alan Pardew, having made an excellent start to his reign by dispatching of Liverpool 3-1 in his opening game last Saturday, the Toon Army may be slightly less aggrieved at his departure. Still, with an unwelcome new man in town, here are five things Alan Pardew must do to ensure a long stay at St James’ Park.
Have a Merry Christmas
Pardew has inherited Newcastle with a fairly tough run of fixtures coming over the Christmas period for the Magpies, with trips to Birmingham and Tottenham, as well as a home tie against Manchester City, all before the start of 2011. Pardew must attempt to get at least three points from this run of fixtures, otherwise the pressure could really begin to mount. If all else fails, some passionate performances could sway the faithful, even if results aren’t forthcoming in this tricky run of fixtures.
Keep hold of Andy
Although Pardew will undoubtedly wish to begin to form his own team in the North-East, January is perhaps not the best time to embark on this adventure. As well as keeping the majority of the first team together, Pardew must ensure that prize asset Andy Carroll stays well and truly within the confines of St James’ Park, except for away games, of course.
Relegation fight isn’t an option
Chris Hughton has steered Newcastle into a position where they are looking up, rather than down, and the Magpies find themselves in 8th place, 6 points clear of the relegation zone, with 17 games played. Pardew cannot afford to drop Newcastle into a relegation dogfight, otherwise he may well be following Chris Hughton down the road over the summer months.
Remember Chris
Not a stranger to acrimonious managerial departures (I’m thinking of his parting terms with Reading), Pardew would do well to remember the work Hughton has put into the club, and tread carefully around any negative allusion to the past couple of years at St James' Park. Pardew needs to win the crowd round, the last thing he would want to do is belittle the contribution of a man who is revered for all he has done for the club.
Keep on Ashley’s good side
Because clearly taking the reins of a club falling apart at the seams, then turning them round and getting them promoted without even breaking a sweat, then consolidating their place in the top flight with some excellent wins and performances is not good enough for Newcastle owner Mike Ashley. Pardew must not only maintain a good working relationship with players and fans, but also his boss, as the erstwhile manager, Hughton, found out to his detriment.
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