Joe Kinnear: “This year we’ll probably find out more about Alan Pardew – and his squad – than in the season we’ve just had.
“Obviously, it’ll be an exciting league as far as Newcastle fans are concerned.
“But it’s added stress to the team and players that he’s got.
“My advice would be to add at least four or five new good players to strengthen the squad and take a step forward.
“That was always my idea with Mike. I said to Mike ‘give me two years to start with, and then we’ll build on it’.
“I said it would take me two years to find out what was needed.
“This is a fantastic club – it’s a one-club city. It’s got phenomenal fans.
“Since I’ve left, I’ve been in touch with Chris Hughton two or three times a week.
“We’ve always been good friends.
“I always said to Chris ‘have a go yourself, son – break away from being No 2. You’ve got enough about you to make it’.
“I encouraged him as much as I could.”