Alan Pardew plans top-four tilt

Alan Pardew believes he has been given the time to lead Newcastle back into the Champions League after signing an eight-year contract.

The Newcastle manager and his back-room staff committed themselves to St James' Park until 2020, a deal that Pardew has revealed was suggested by the club's owner, Mike Ashley.

"Can we win a trophy, can we get into the Champions League? I think we can or I wouldn't be here," he said. "That might put an added pressure on myself but, if you are not in this game to handle the pressure, then you shouldn't be in it."