5. Alan Pardew
It never rains but it pours on Tyneside. Before the start of last season, Alan Pardew was walking on air, utterly untouchable. Augmented by the owners trust (a feat in itself) and scouting guru Graham Carr, the Magpies made inspired signings, played decent football and confounded relegation worries with a fifth-place finish. Pardew duly picked up the manager of the year gong. Twelve months on, and theres a very different picture being painted. A dismal 16th place finish, an overactive treatment room and the failure of a much-vaunted youth policy saw Newcastle sail back into crisis territory. While all of it isnt Pardews fault, the buck stops with the manager and the Geordie faithful who once sung his praises turned on him with gusto. We shouldnt underestimate the challenge the manager faces this season. With star players wanting to leave the sinking ship, a fragmented dressing room and the sudden appointment of walking disaster zone Joe Kinnear as director of football means the writing may be on the wall for the affable Londoner. Though he has an eight-year contract, Mike Ashleys propensity for rash decisions see the sacking of Chris Hughton or stripping off in a Chinese restaurant could see drastic changes at St. James Park before Christmas.
Edward Owen
Contributor
Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League.
You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.
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