Source: PA
Pardew finding his feet at Newcastle
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits he is growing into his job as he gets to know the club, the city and its people.
The 49-year-old arrived at St James' Park in December last year in the wake of Chris Hughton's controversial departure and announced himself in style with a 3-1 home victory over Liverpool, the side the Magpies face on Sunday at Anfield.
During the intervening period, they have eased themselves to the brink of mathematical safety, and Pardew is now planning for a new campaign and the task of transforming the club from top-flight survivors into something more.
Having spent his entire managerial career in the south of England, life on Tyneside had provided him with a new experience, but it is one he is thoroughly enjoying.
Pardew got a taste of how things could be earlier this month when his players battled their way to a 0-0 draw with leaders Manchester United in front of a passionate crowd of 49,025, although he insisted his appetite was whetted long before that.
He said: "It was whetted way before then, but the more and more I take games in and get to know the place and understand how it works, the more familiar I am becoming with it and the more natural the surroundings are becoming to me. I am obviously very proud to be the Newcastle manager and I enjoy it immensely."
