6 Questions Mike Ashley Must Answer About Alan Pardew

4. Why Is Pardew Better Than Chris Hughton?

Back in December 2010 when Mike Ashley swung the axe on Chris Hughton after defeat by West Brom, it was announced that the next manager would have more experience, and it was assumed that he would be better than his predecessor. That is the simple equation that underpins all managerial changes after all. Now, almost four years on, it's becoming more and more difficult to resist the feeling that Hughton wasn't replaced by an inferior alternative, even if he might not have been the man to lead Newcastle in the long-term. Hughton was sacked after only 5 games without a win, two of which were draws, and had managed a Premier League win rate of 31% in a newly promoted team. Alan Pardew meanwhile has an overall win record in the Premier League of 36% at Newcastle, but has not won since Cardiff last season, a game that came after 6 straight defeats. So what is different? Yes that's a higher win record, but the lows have been far lower, and you have to question what it is that keeps Pardew employed? Surely it can't just be money...