Newcastle: 10 Things Pardew Should Be Applauded For
8. He Endured, Despite The Criticism
Pardew took that sticking power into his managerial career, particularly at the Toon. As every commentator was always keen on pointing out, 'Pards' was the 2nd longest serving manager in the Premier League when he left, and in the cut-throat world of managerial merry-go-rounds thats got to be worth something. During the most recent 'Sack Pardew' campaign, it became almost impressive to see how defiant Pardew could be. He turned oblivious struggle into an art form. He made deflection and excuse-making and well take the lessons weve learned today (in another drab defeat) into the next game look less like defeatist apologies and more like some sort of stoic philosophical stance. And that personal defiance rubbed off, occasionally, on the team. Who could forget the fight back against Arsenal in the 4-4 game? The club has literally never witnessed anything as insane as that. Plunging from the depths of despair at half-time to a euphoria that was actually more frightening that pleasurable when Tiotes pile driver went in was one of the most amazing spectacles the Premier League has ever produced, whether you're a Newcastle fan or not. And Pardew was at the helm. If it was his fault the team had totally capitulated by half time, then it has got to be to his credit that they fought back. That game alone is worth applauding Pardew for. He gave the club that memory at least.
