Source: PA
Pardew targets top-half finish
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has set his sights on a top-half finish after a result he believes guarantees survival in the Barclays Premier League.
The Magpies moved seven points clear of the relegation places with an overall tally of 41 as they drew 1-1 at Blackpool on Saturday.
Pardew's side are not yet mathematically safe but the former Southampton and West Ham manager is confident they have avoided a quick return to the Championship.
Pardew, who took over from the sacked Chris Hughton last December, said: "I think that is us guaranteed now. I think it will be difficult for those teams down at the bottom to accumulate 41 points.
"But we want to win as many games as we can and will try to do that. Our motivation now is a top-10 finish. Perhaps we can play with a bit more freedom at Liverpool next week and our energy levels will be up."
