NUFC: 8 Reasons Pardew Can Defy Expectations This Year

7. The Lack Of Distractions

As frustrating as it is for Newcastle fans to hear that something that should be counted as a sign of progress was counted as an unwelcome distraction from the league and a stretch on the squad, the demands of the Europa League did over-stretch the Magpies last year. With progress to the quarter finals, Newcastle's fixtures numbers jumped significantly, even with their usual crashes out of both domestic cups. The squad last year wasn't as small or unsuited to European competition as some fans might suggest €“ hence the progression beyond the group stage, but injuries were a problem, and setting up the team for European football was too much for Pardew's coaching team. The lack of midweek games should once more mean that the team can concentrate on a traditional build-up to the weekend, and preparing fully to prepare for the opposition from the first day of training in the week.