Stand by your man: Newcastle United players plump for Alan Pardew

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has, arguably, been a victim of his own success. After guiding the Magpies (7/2 to end the season in the top 10) to a fantastic fifth place Premier League finish back in 2012, the bar at St James’ Park had once again been raised.

Pardew was the toast of the Toon back then and club owner Mike Ashley rewarded him with a rather reactionary eight-year contract.

Predictably, Pardew’s results, league finishes and relationship with the fans dropped off dramatically over subsequent seasons, with the view that the former Southampton and West Ham United boss was only kept in place due to his lucrative deal.

The Newcastle coach’s precarious position had never looked bleaker than the beginning of this campaign, when his Tyneside team recorded no wins in their first seven Premier League outings this season.

With pressure mounting, and discontent from the Toon Army ringing in Pardew’s ears, the Magpies finally tuned up in time to save their boss from further blushes. Two back-to-back wins against Leicester City and Tottenham have seen Newcastle climb to 14th in the league and give themselves much-needed breathing space.

Speaking recently, Dutch defender Daryl Janmaat spoke out in support of his under-the-cosh coach. Janmaat stated: “The pressure has eased. We want him as the manager.

“The manager was under a lot of pressure so it’s nice that we have given him some points… We do not want another manager.”

Even out-of-favour attacker Remy Cabella, a supersub against Spurs after setting up striker Ayoze Perez’s winner, has been supportive of Pardew’s team picks.

“It’s logical. The coach had been starting me in the first two months, but I had not scored or had an assist.”

“I have not eased up, I have worked more…My first assist is good for the confidence. Alan Pardew wants me to be more decisive.”

Pardew will be hoping this sentiment and spirit finds its way to the Newcastle support. All too often, under-fire tacticians are left floating in the wind, with fans and players seemingly deserting their managers at the first sign of trouble.