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Alan Pardew future: Graeme Souness unsurprised by pressure on Newcastle manager

Fans are calling for the manager to go

Monday 15 September 2014 17:35 BST

(Getty)

Former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness is not surprised the pressure on current boss Alan Pardew is intensifying.

Pardew's future has become the subject of heavy speculation after a dismal start to the season.

Supporters vented their frustration as the Magpies, without a win in the Barclays Premier League, slumped to a 4-0 loss at Southampton on Saturday.

Newcastle's form prolongs a poor run which saw the side lose 14 of their last 20 league matches last season.

Souness, in charge at St James' Park from 2004-06, says Pardew will know he must deliver.

The Scot told Sky Sports News: "Results are everything in football.

"If you are not winning football matches then it used to be you got half a season, or usually a season, now you get six games. If you are in a job you know that is the case.

"Newcastle are a big football club, (with a) very passionate football crowd, and a very frustrated crowd at times. They are not slow to show their emotions.

"But that is the price on the ticket of being a manager at Newcastle.

"You know that if it does go wrong your head will be on the block, and be on the block pretty quickly. That is where he finds himself, unfortunately.

"It is part of the deal. You have to deal with it. You have to be thick-skinned, you have to have the support of the people around you and you hope the players are still with you.

"If that is in place and the board are sensible, then he might get through it."

Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

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1/10Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

David Moyes

Rather strangely, Moyes' reputation has improved somewhat since he left Manchester United. The Red Devils' poor start to the current season highlighted just how difficult the task at Old Trafford was, and revisionists could argue that perhaps he didn't do all that badly. His work over more than a decade at Everton stands the test of time and a return to management at Newcastle could be a good fit.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Steve Bruce

Having got Hull City promoted back to the Premier League and then taking them to the FA Cup final last May, Bruce is steadily adding to his reputation as a manager. His previous role at Sunderland was always fraught due to his Geordie roots - but that certainly wouldn't be a problem at St James' Park. The former Manchester United defender didn't disgrace himself during spells in charge of Wigan and Birmingham either.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Tony Pulis

Newcastle fans expect their side to play a certain way - and it isn't the Pulis way. When Sam Allardyce was in charge of the Magpies he was constantly given a rough time due to the tactics he employed. Pulis would bring something similar which would probably make him unpopular with fans from the get-go. However, his time at Crystal Palace where he won the Manager of the Season award last season and his ability to keep Stoke City in the Premier League shouldn't be ignored.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Neil Lennon

The former Leicester player was highly successful during his time at Celtic - his only managerial position to date. He won three league titles and caused a few upsets in the Champions League. Has been linked with Premier League roles for some time and is currently a free agent having stepped down at the end of the last season after four years in charge.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Steve McClaren

McClaren's career is difficult to judge. Performed a few miracles at Middlebrough then came the England job. Won the Eredivisie title with FC Twente, then had strange spells with Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest. It seems the 53-year-old could be back on the way up judging by Derby's solid start to the season and owing to his North East roots, could be a good option for Newcastle.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Tim Sherwood

If the Newcastle fans want attacking football, Sherwood could be a decent option. During his spell in charge of Tottenham he displayed a preference for offensive teams and enjoyed a successful period. Was perhaps unfairly sacked at the end of last season when the political shenanigans at White Hart Lane got the better of him.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Michael Laudrup

A more glamorous appointment that could appease the fans would be that of Laudrup. During his time at Swansea he did brilliantly, bringing in rough gems that he polished into a League Cup winning side. The style of play he instilled was impossible not to admire. The former Barcelona midfielder is currently in charge of Qatari side Lekhwiya.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Joe Kinnear

Surely Mike Ashley wouldn't - would he? Kinnear was unpopular during his previous spell in charge of Newcastle before it came to an end due to health issues. He was then made Director of Football but a few embarrassing episodes, from getting players' names wrong to failing to visibly do anything soured his standing amongst the fans further.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Paolo Di Canio

The controversial Italian is just the type of character that would ensure a continuation of the Newcastle United soap opera. And that's why he shouldn't be discounted. Actually did quite well in charge of Swindon and managed to keep Sunderland afloat after being parachuted in. His controversial knee-sliding celebrations when the Black Cats won at St James' Park won't have done him any favours though, and neither will the reports of complete discontent by the end of his reign at the Stadium of Light.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Roberto Di Matteo

Seemingly linked with every job going, remarkably Di Matteo is still yet to dip his toe back into the choppy management waters since taking Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2012. His feat with the Blues whilst caretaker manager has ensured he is a popular choice whenever vacancies come up, whilst his spells at MK Dons and West Brom weren't too shabby either.

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Pardew, who took charge in 2010, signed an eight-year contract just two years ago.

Despite that, Saturday's clash with Hull is being billed as vital for Pardew's future in some quarters.

Former midfielder Lee Bowyer believes Pardew needs more time to integrate summer signings.

Bowyer said: "We are only three or four games in and there is a very, very long way to go.

"I thought he did well last year with the squad he had and I think he will do it again this season.

"Don't judge him yet. It takes about six games to start getting into it and he has had a few players come in, so it will take time to gel."

PA

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