Newcastle United have been given support in their bid to avoid the drop - from former manager Alan Pardew, who has declared the Magpies are a club "close to my heart". Pardew left the North East to takeover at Crystal Palace at the turn of the year - and the Magpies have picked up just 10 points under interim head coach John Carver since. Amazingly, Newcastle were on 26 points and in 10th place when Pardew decided to move back to London but the Magpies are now in 17th and have just 36 points. Alternatively, Palace were stuck on 16 points and down in 18th place when Pardew took charge, and they are now up to 12th on 42 points. The Magpies have plunged down the Premier League since Carver took over the reins and they face West Ham United in their final game of the season on Sunday. Newcastle are just two points and a single position ahead of 18th-placed Hull City - and, should the Magpies fail to win, the Tigers could capitalise by beating Manchester United at the KC Stadium. If such a scenario unfolds, Newcastle would be in the Championship next season. Speaking ahead of the final weekend of the Premier League season, Pardew explained:
"Newcastle is close to my heart - my players who I worked with for four or five years are still there, as are the staff as well and more importantly the fans. That group of fans need to be in the Premier League. "They need to get this season out of the way and use this scare as a kick start for their next year of going forward. They are one of the best clubs in the world and they just need to get over the line this time. "I hope John and the team can do that."
Pardew, however, does not understand why Newcastle have gotten themselves into their current predicament after he left them in a healthy state - although he expects the Magpies to secure safety. He continued:
"Their destiny is in their own hands - win that game against West Ham and the Hull result is irrelevant. I'm sure the stadium will be in tip-top shape in terms of positivity to get the team over the line. "Although there has been a lot of disappointment and moaning about the situation, they know they have to get behind the team and when the do that, it's a very difficult place to go. "Newcastle were ninth when I left, with 26 points from 19 games. They had a transfer window coming up as well, so they were in a good position, but they didn't capitalise on that. I can't give you a reason for that."
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