7 Players Who Could Save Alan Pardew's Newcastle Career

3. Siem De Jong

Provided Alan Pardew is in it for the long-haul - and everything seems to be pointing that way since Ashley won't sack him and he won't quit - then the return of Siem De Jong might well be the tonic his ailing side need. The Dutchman was a long-term target for the club, and it is very obvious from the rest of the transfer agenda this summer that he was identified as the keystone to the system Alan Pardew wanted to play this season. He is the number 10 that Pardew needs to build the rest of his attack around, and the support that either Papiss Cisse or Emanuel Riviere as the lone striker needs, with Remy Cabella and whoever is chosen for the right out wide. If Pardew can last until he returns from injury, he might finally be able to play the system he has wanted to all season.