Pardew blow for Toon

Already reeling from losing popular manager Chris Hughton, Newcastle United fans have been shocked to learn that their next manager may be none other than the Silver Fox, Alan Pardew: Pardew

It will be recalled that the Magpies suffered the curse of Dowie when they were relegated with him as coach. To then suffer Pardew as well is to experience a cruel and unusual punishment. OK, we suffered it at Charlton, but others can learn lessons from our experience.

However, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, dissatisfied with Toon's 11th place in the Premier League following promotion, wants an 'experienced' manager. Alan Pardew certainly has plenty of that at various clubs.

Alan Curbishley is also being mentioned, but his name is brought up every time there is a top level vacancy. He doesn't move north of the M25.

Last night it became apparent that Martin Jol was in the frame. Jol resigned from Ajax where he has not been a happy bunny. One might have reservations about Jol, but given a choice between him and Pardew, there is only one answer.

One wonders where the Pardew story came from in the first place as it was extensively carried by the media. Perhaps it came from sources close to Alan Pardew, but I have no evidence of that.