Alan Pardew backed to fight on by former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd as he claims Magpies can only make do with what they are given in the transfer window

Pardew will continue as Newcastle manager after talks regarding his future with the club

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has defended current manager Alan Pardew as he fights to win over the club's fans.

The 52-year-old came under intense criticism as the season drew to a close with a run of seven defeats in eight Barclays Premier League games.

However, Shepherd believes Pardew has not been given the backing he needs in the transfer market.

He told talkSPORT: "If you don't give the guy the right ammunition, he's not going to win.

"I'm the last one to tell them to start changing managers because I had quite a few in my time there. Sometimes you have got to bite the bullet, though.

"Where Pardew is concerned, if you don't give him the money to buy players, then you are going to get into trouble.

"Newcastle must buy players in the close season. Pardew has been told to achieve 10th position at worst, and he has done what he was asked to do.

"The best manager in the world is not going to be successful if he isn't given the money and the right players."

Pardew is currently in the process of thrashing out a summer transfer strategy with owner Mike Ashley, managing director Lee Charnley and chief scout Graham Carr as he attempts to rebuild his squad.

PA