Alan Pardew is on the verge of completing an exit from Newcastle United in the most stunning fashion after the club accepted compensation from Crystal Palace for the manager.
Pardew still has six years left on his contract. Even though he has led Newcastle to fifth place in the Premier league only two years ago and the club are doing well right now, he has never been a favourite amongst the fans. At Crystal Palace, though, the former West Ham manager is held in high regard since he represented the club during his playing days.
When Crystal Palace sacked Neil Warnock just a few days after Christmas, Pardew emerged as the surprise candidate to replace. This was a major surprise given that Newcastle appear to be comfortable in the top half of the table whereas Crystal Palace are struggling with the threat of relegation. However, Pardew is believed to have accepted the offer of a four-year contract, but the move does not look set to be completed before the match against Aston Villa on New Year’s Day. This is because of issues surrounding Pardew’s backroom staff. Newcastle’s caretaker manager Keith Millen, though, says that the players have no issues focusing on their upcoming match against Burnley at home.
“As far as I’m concerned, the chairman has told me to prepare for Aston Villa. It’s important myself and the players stay focused on that.I spoke to the chairman and he said Newcastle compensation has been agreed and we’ve been given permission to speak to Alan. That was literally all I was told and nothing’s changed since then.When I’ve done this before it’s dragged on for a few weeks. That starts having an effect on the group – the not knowing,” said Millen, who will be in the dugout for the match against Burnley.