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Alan Pardew – One of lowest net spends and difficult ‘agenda’ at Newcastle

9 years ago
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Alan Pardew has gone further than he ever did when at St. James’ Park to sum up why Newcastle won’t ever be successful under the current running of the club by Mike Ashley.

At his first pre-match Crystal Palace press conference, the former United boss talked at length about his time on Tyneside.

Pardew admitted that there was a ‘difficult agenda’ under Mike Ashley and that the club had one of the lowest net transfer spends….otherwise known as the owner refusing to invest in the team.

Alan Pardew;

“It is difficult, because Newcastle is a big club, it is a club that is run on fairly tight financial margins and our net spend (non-existent!) was one of the lowest.

“We have had to really work hard at transfers because the funds for a club that size makes it difficult for the fans to understand that you need to have a slow progress and build slowly, which we did during my four years there.”

Right time to leave and Pardew’s decision;

“For me personally and professionally, it was the right time, and I think it is the right time for Newcastle too but it was my decision.

“Also for Newcastle, I think that four years under that type of monetary situation and the fact that they are trying to push, and the history, and everything else, it is difficult for the manager.”

Pardew had Newcastle punching above their weight…;

“We have actually punched above our weight at times and when you lose games there is going to be criticism from the stands, but never once did I sense that outside of the ground.

“I think at Newcastle I proved that I can handle a big club in difficult circumstances, and with a difficult agenda, and I don’t think anyone at Newcastle would have an issue with me saying that.

Move due to Mike Ashley selling Newcastle?;

“I have not heard that, it is just a rumour, Mike Ashley never suggested that, it was never in the format and it was a simple equation really.

“Crystal Palace wanted me as their manager and they met the clause in my contract.

“Newcastle told me that the clause had been met, and quite simply, I had a choice, whether to stay or go.

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