Alan Pardew has dropped an inside claim on what it was like to work with Mike Ashley during his time as manager of Newcastle United.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, the Englishman claimed that ‘there was a lot of anti-feeling’ between himself and the Magpies chief.
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He admitted that the job at the St. James’ Park faithful was ‘stressful’ and ‘tough’ with the criticism that was on his shoulders, as he also revealed some insight into the transfer strategy that Ashley had when he was in charge.
Pardew a victim of Ashley association at Newcastle
Unfortunately for Pardew, he was a manager in the North East club that was victimised for being associated with Ashley.
He was far from perfect, but his record on Tyneside was not actually too bad, guiding them to a very impressive fifth-placed finish in the Premier League in the 2011/12 term, as he also managed to stable the ship after the Magpies were promoted back up to the top flight from the EFL Championship (Transfermarkt).
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Judging by his comments on the sort of funds that Ashley was giving him for transfers as well, in which he admitted it was ‘difficult’ to work on such a tight budget, the former West Ham United, Southampton and Crystal Palace boss did bring in some gems to the Magpies, such as Papiss Cisse, Yohan Cabaye and Jamaal Lascelles, who is now captain.
Nonetheless, perhaps Pardew should not have been given quite such a hard time at NUFC for the cards that he was dealt with.
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