Steven Taylor praises Newcastle hierarchy

Pardew has got Newcastle off to a great start (PA)

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has praised managing director Derek Llambias for allowing manager Alan Pardew and his players to get on with their jobs.

Llambias and club owner Mike Ashley have incurred the wrath of large sections of the Toon Army for much of their time at the St James' Park helm.

There was disquiet too within the dressing room following a wrangle over bonus payments last season and the high-profile departures of Kevin Nolan, Jose Enrique and Joey Barton during the summer.

However, the bonus issue has since been resolved and a growing sense of unity within the club has seen the Magpies enjoy a fine start to the campaign which sends them into Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Wolves sitting in fourth place in the table.

Taylor, who personal form has been a key factor in an unbeaten eight-game opening to the campaign, told the Journal: "Last season, you probably read the chairman [sic] and the players couldn't come to an agreement about bonuses.

"We had a bit of a divide between the chairman and the players last year. That doesn't help.

"At the start of this season, we sat down with the gaffer and I think it's important that you have the chairman on your side.

"He's was great with us, sat us down and gave the lads their bonuses for this season straight away.

"He has just kept himself to himself, hasn't bothered the players - [he] has let us concentrate on the pitch and let the gaffer do his job.

"That's what you want. It's been good for us this season."