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Pardew looks to avoid repeat of 'hairy' thriller

Jack Pitt-Brooke
Friday 11 February 2011 01:00 GMT
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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is hoping his side avoid a repeat of the drama of last Saturday's 4-4 draw with Arsenal when they travel to Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

"I got a couple of texts saying, 'welcome to the North East' and 'welcome to being Newcastle manager'," said Pardew of the aftermath of last week's game. "But I haven't got this great hair from not having a few hairy days in the past.

"I have not actually had a day quite like that, but I enjoyed it all the same. It was a great way to end. In your lifetime, you could play another 200 games, 300, 500 games and not be involved in another game like that. It was an amazing, amazing game – but it's not something that is the highlight of our season. It's been and gone and it's the next game for us. The next game is a tough one. They are a good side, Blackburn, and that's what it's about."

Newcastle will have their new signing Shefki Kuqi available, after recruiting the Finnish striker this week. Pardew said he will bring "experience and presence".

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