What's Going On Pardew?

I never really rated Alan Pardew as manager and I was shocked when he was appointed as Chris Hughton's replacement at Newcastle late last year. All that Hughton had achieved over his year in charge was more than enough to justify keeping him in the hot seat until at least the end of the 2010/11 season. He didn't need to go and certainly not for the likes of Alan Pardew. 

However, like everything we eventually just get on board - unsettling the ship will only do harm to the club. But so far, Pardew has failed to make an impression. Despite a good result against West Ham, he didn't get things right in that appalling defeat to Stevenage or the draw against rivals Sunderland and his inactivity in the transfer market is worrying. His promise to bring in two new players has yet to be fulfilled and with time running out on the clock, he better get in there quick.

We lost out on a couple of a good partners for Andy Carroll and it seems as if Pardew was looking in all the wrongs places. Instead of looking at proven Premiership performers such as Roque Santa Cruz and Robbie Keane, he was interested in Championship striker Jay Bothroyd - a player not good enough for Newcastle at this current time. And now he seems to have changed his thinking completely to make up for the lack of transfers by claiming Ameobi and Best are now good enough. Granted Shola Ameobi can do the job as a backup striker for the time being but any manager who thinks he's capable of being in the squad week in week out is crazy. The star performances against Sunderland and West Ham were one offs, that isn't going to come every week from either player.

We also need to strengthen our back four by purchasing a stronger right back, perhaps letting someone like Ryan Taylor go to help fund the move of a new addition. And our left side, a position that has never been properly filled on Tyneside, really needs looking at again.

As for Pardew, only time will tell whether he can keep the ship steady and holding out against Spurs will be his next battle. A win is unlikely but a draw will be an important point on the board. And the following game against Fulham is a must win, particularly with a probable defeat against the Red Devils looming.