Alan Pardew: "If you get punched on the nose in a boxing ring, you don't just walk back to your corner and say that's it and walk away.
"This is a job where you need to be purposeful and you have to stay strong.
" It is very difficult to win trophies at this football club and therefore a lot of the time you're dealing with bad news and losing players.
"But you have to keep your focus on what is important and the most important part of my job is winning first-team games. Forget about anything else.
"I was surprised the decision to sack Joe (Kinnear) was made at that time but it wasn't my decision. No, I've not spoken to him since but I'm sure I will do.
"I am sorry to see anyone lose their job. He did a lot of good work here but it was the board's decision and I have to work towards getting our position in the league more secure.
"There's so much involved in transfers in terms of the other club, agents, preparations and the finances involved that it goes away from what we did 10 years ago.
"From a league point of view, it is important that I try and drive us towards the best finish I can."