Alan Pardew believes that many Newcastle United fans’ problems with him were a result of Mike Ashley’s ownership.
The 63-year-old was the Ashley era’s longest-reigning manager, serving for barely more than four years. Given Chris Hughton’s unjustifiable dismissal just days before, Pardew’s selection was unpopular.
However, he won over fans by placing fifth in his first full season in command. Europa League football gave unforgettable nights for Toon fans, but that was the best it got under Pardew.
In December 2014, Pardew left to join Crystal Palace due to inconsistent results and derby failures, which were exacerbated by a lack of upstairs investment. He left St James’ Park having managed 184 games, with a 39% win rate.
Near the end, the mood swung in favour of Pardew, which was a major reason for his departure. A group of supporters launched a website encouraging Ashley to pull the trigger, with the famed “Welsh town” banner also displayed for Swansea City.
Pardew cited fans’ fragile relationship with the Sports Direct mogul as a major source of their outrage. He told talkSPORT: “At Reading, I was only manager for about six games, and they had pants day. Fans arrived dressed in trousers, mistaking football for trousers!
“I’ve been through a few (fan protests), it’s not just Newcastle. You have moments where it’s not going for you. Newcastle was a little bit different because of Mike Ashley. They didn’t want the owner and that sent it onto me a little bit.
“But you have to be resilient as a football manager. You have to be tough, with a tough outer core and inner core. You have to go home and try to be normal.
“The building blocks of a manager, player or coach’s career are the knockbacks you get. You’re always getting knockbacks so you have to be resilient.”
