Partnership Works Because Pardew Says 'Yes' To Everything Ashley Says!

Last updated : 30 September 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

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Unlike Chris Hughton, who questioned Ashley (often), Pardew prefers the easy life.

He doesn't make waves, even when he spent FOUR MONTHS chasing two continental defenders (convinced them to sign for Newcastle) then Ashley wouldn't pay the asking price.

Despite all the comments about "I talk to Mike often", he now says he never sees him and he never speaks to him.

Alan Pardew: “We don’t see much of each other and maybe that’s why it works.

"Derek Llambias is very much between Mike and I, but there is mutual respect there.

“When I meet him I do respect his views because you are shaped by your history. Mike is shaped by his football history because he’s had some bad times here at Newcastle.

“But I do push him to get the best possible players to the club.

“He’s not on the phone every other day. It’s nothing like that.

"I don’t have any contact with him about games and I have to say I really like that about him.

"He trusts me, he trusts my decision making process.

“He asks me through Derek one or two questions every month – and they are actually good questions. It’s different from other chairmen I’ve had.

“Both of us looked at the contract and felt it lacked a bit of security. So therefore this new contract is more secure for Mike in terms of keeping me at the football club, and for me to stay here.

“The eight years came from Mike. I never got to the point of talking about how long I wanted the contract for. He spoke to me about eight years and I thought OK!

“It gives me security to try to plan for this football club, and to win something.

“Of the three trophies we are in, the FA Cup is the easiest one for us to win and even then all the top clubs will be in the competition. But that’s the one I will really focus on this year, if I’m honest.

“The Europa League is an adventure into the unknown, however, from what I’ve seen of it so far I think we have got a chance and we’ll see how we develop it.

“It’s not about me becoming a legend. I want to win. What’s the point in playing sport if you don’t win?

“You see sports that are geared towards mediocrity. I see it all the time. There is country cricket, I mean come on. Does anyone want to win it?

“What is the point in management if you don’t want to win.

“It’s not impossible for us to win a trophy.

"Other clubs will have a higher percentage chance than us. If you don’t believe it you will never do it, and I actually believe we can.

"That gives us a better chance.”