Alan Pardew has been installed as Newcastle United manager, prompting a sharp level of discontent from fans in owner Mike Ashley's decision-making. Pardew joins the Magpies in an almost outrageous five-and-a-half year contract, a signal of intent that the former West Ham boss will be here for the long-term.
Some will be surprised if Pardew even makes it past five-and-a-half months. There is a feeling that Newcastle has gone all cockney with Ashley and his associate Derek Llambias having an affiliation with London. After all, both were born and made their riches in the capital. Not that there is anything about Londoners in general, but there is a feeling that their swagger and arrogance have alienated the working-class, northeast fans that live and breathe Newcastle.
Pardew is the latest southeastern personality to make the 300-mile journey up north, replacing another Londoner in Chris Hughton. Pardew will receive a hostile reception come Saturday teatime, and not entirely of his own doing, but the fans had taken to the humbleness of Hughton's man-management. His low profile kept Newcastle United's players grounded. Working hard, tremendous unity and low expectations were the values carried into this season. The latter didn't appeal to Ashley as we found out on Monday. But Pardew does carry some managerial clout in the top tier. He was a success at Reading before his acrimonious departure to West Ham when they were in the Championship. He fulfilled his expectations during his reign, earning promotion in his second season at the club and took the Hammers into the FA Cup Final in 2006.
While Toon fans are still hurting and angered by Hughton's sacking, Pardew seeks an antithesis of the anger similar to the student protests in London at his club. He'll provide the perfect tonic should they defeat Liverpool on Saturday.
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