Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew was sent a clear message by fans of his team following their 4-0 defeat to Southampton.
Banners reading, “Pardew Out” surfaced at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday and that certainly wasn’t the first time they’ve been unfurled. Pardew is on borrowed time at Newcastle.
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With a shocking end to the 2013-14 season, which saw the Magpies win just twice in their final 10 games, and no wins from four to start this campaign, pressure is mounting on Pardew to be fired by owner Mike Ashley, who is equally unpopular with the fans.
After being battered 4-0 by Saints and sitting bottom of the table, here’s what Pardew had to say in the tunnel to TV broadcasters as he ducked out of interviews with the written press.“We made individual mistakes that we couldn’t absorb. We have to take that as a team. We had a great chance at 2-0 and half a chance after that. We have played OK at the start of the season and really got caught out today.
“We didn’t have long to prepare after the internationals but there’s no excuse really. The players tried everything at 2-0. We just caught at the start. The criticisms from the fans are fair. You can’t get beat 4-0 - I’ve had a few of those at the club. We have to be strong and tough it out. We have to put ourselves on the line and be brave. We have more quality than we showed today.”
That remains to be seen, but the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of his former club certainly did him no good. Reports earlier this week suggested Pardew had two games to save his job, this game vs. Saints and then a home game vs. Hull next weekend. Now, after Saturday’s debacle, he may not even get that.