So, a bit of a back-handed compliment to finish with, but think about it: after the second 0-3 against the mackems, most Toon fans would have carried him down to London personally. As recently as November, most Toon fans would have had a whip round to pay Pardew off, and it would have being a hefty pay off, mind you, given the length of Pardews contract. But not only did he save the club a few quid (or, more precisely, save Ashley a few quid, which more than likely wont be seen in players on the pitch), he actually managed to make some dosh as well. It was reported that Palace forked out as much as £3.5 million to witness the Pardew punch (the celebration, not his tactic for discussing controversial decisions with the fourth official) for themselves. More importantly, by waiting until he was wanted elsewhere by jumping before he was pushed he has made the club look like a more welcoming place for the next incumbent (particularly, as seems likely, if theyre coming in from abroad, and havent paid close attention to the continual circus that is NUFC). If the media had been able to run with fans push out Pardew, it might have made the next lunatic who sips from this particular poisoned chalice think twice before stepping in. Do you think Alan Pardew actually deserves praise for what he did at Newcastle? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
