Source: PA
Pardew looking to calm dressing room fears
Alan Pardew will immediately begin the process of trying to placate the Newcastle dressing room following his appointment as manager.
The 49-year-old spoke briefly to Kevin Nolan before he was unveiled as Chris Hughton's successor after signing a five-and-a-half-year contract.
Pardew arrived on Tyneside well aware that anger at Hughton's dismissal on Monday is still running high and that he was far from the fans' favourite to replace the former Republic of Ireland international.
But while he is confident he can win over the fans, he knows he first needs to do just that with a squad stunned by Hughton's departure.
Pardew said: "Even without speaking to Kevin - I only spoke to Kevin briefly on the phone - it's obvious Chris is much-liked in that dressing room.
"I can't think of a player in the group that I have managed, so I am somewhat of a mystery to the group, so I need to make sure that when I come in, the players understand I am a fair manager who will give them every opportunity to excel. It's very, very important that I get some stability back to the dressing room and calm their fears down."
