How Much Influence Did Pardew Have On Transfers?

Last updated : 30 September 2014 By Footy Mad - Editor

It is understood that there will be no "crisis" talks with owner Mike Ashley this week and that Pardew will remain in charge for Saturday's trip to Swansea, and beyond whatever happens at the Liberty Stadium.

That does not amount to an unlimited vote of confidence from the club's billionaire owner, but an acknowledgement that not all the problems the team is experiencing on the pitch are down to the manager.

Kevin Keegan

Pardew, whose influence in transfer dealings is limited, had previously spoken about the need to attract men who already had a grounding in English football, but later admitted that home-grown players had come at a particularly high premium this summer.

The fact that the likes of Janmaat, Cabella and Riviere in particular have struggled to get to grips with the Premier League - De Jong's loss to a long-term thigh injury has also proved costly - has not gone unnoticed in the Boardroom, and the blame for that is not being laid at the manager's feet.

Gary Neville said on SKY TV that he believed Pardew didn't know some of the players that were drafted in during the summer, suggesting Ashley himself could be picking the signings.

That was the very reason Kevin Keegan walked during his second spell as Newcastle manager.

Dennis Wise did the picking and the signing, even telling Keegan to "look on you-tube" to see the players he had drafted in.

The difference is ... Pardew has a bigger love of money than KK ... and he won't walk until he gets his £5m pay off.

Some guys have strong principles ... and some guys don't!