Pardew 'On The Brink'!

Last updated : 16 February 2014 By Footy Mad - Editor

Sunday is the day for the spectacular 'exclusive', when more times than not, the article is a load of bollox.

Last week (after Wednesday's result following on from a shocking run of bad results) would have been ideal time to sack Alan Pardew, with a free weekend of fixtures.

But Mike Ashley - as Pardew admits - "is not a football man, he doesn't understand how a football club should be run".

And, from Ashley's point of view, why would he see the Spurs result the same way as the Geordies ... after all he is a Spurs lifelong fan and he was out celebrating in Leicester Square with THEIR fans!

But the Sunday People report ...

Alan Pardew is on the brink at Newcastle United amid whispers that he has lost the backing of the players, writes Alan Oliver of the Sunday People .

The Magpies boss asked his squad for a reaction in training after the 4-0 midweek humiliation against Tottenham but the message fell on deaf ears.

A Toon insider revealed: “It’s clear there is unrest in the dressing room. There is a lack of confidence throughout the club.”

And Pardew’s position is weakened further by rumours that owner Mike Ashley – who handed him an eight-year contract in September 2012 – is preparing to sell the club, having failed to watch a match at St James’ Park for almost six months.

The Toon insider revealed that the sale last month of Yohan Cabaye has left the Newcastle squad deflated.

He said: “Cabaye was our leader and inspiration. Don’t be surprised if other players follow, especially some of our French contingent.”

The recent departure of the club’s unpopular director of football, Joe Kinnear, means the door could be open for the return of former managing director Derek Llambias.