Alan Pardew: “I’ve tried to put in place a work ethic, a discipline and an attacking make-up of the team.
“Sometimes we get undone but we are trying to build and build each year.
“I know what this club means to this city, particularly when you win, to go into work and have that pride in your team. It gives a real boost to your spirit.
“It’s an area of the country that is a hard-working region. The people here are so honest and hard working, and the team needs to reflect that.
“If it doesn’t the fans get upset, and there were periods last season where we didn’t do that. They were right to be upset.
“It was my job to make sure we put that right this year and we have worked really, really hard. We are getting our rewards for it but there is still a big part of the season to go.
“As tough as it was at the other clubs I’ve managed – West Ham and Southampton in particular – this is harder.
“It’s a religious kind of support, which makes it very emotional, and I’ve had to learn how to cope with that.
“As a manager I’ve had to embrace different cultures, different mentalities on how to play the game, and every player gives you a different set of problems.
"I’ve gained great experience from some great players here, and continue to do so.
“I can detatch myself from the emotion of the game, which comes with age as well. When you are younger you get wrapped up in it a little bit.
“Although I might be jumping up and down on the sideline, I am very focused on what is going on, how the game is going and what decisions I need to make.
“But the most important thing is that you have to have your finger on the pulse. The Premier League is changing every year and you’ve got to be right at the cutting edge of it.
“I like to think we are and we have really improved with some fantastic stuff on the training ground, the fitness of the guys and the condition they are in. I’m really pleased with that.
“As a manager you want to take a few steps forward every year – it makes you a better manager and makes for a better team.
“Hopefully our fans can see where we are trying to take the team. I’ve loved every minute of the last three years, and long may it continue.”
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
