His side entertained Tottenham at St James’ Park. However, and it was far from a celebratory occasion as he watched in despair as a rampant Spurs outfit ripped apart his confidence-depleted troops.
In fact, the 4-0 scoreline flattered the hosts, whose season dwindled away to nothing back in January with FA Cup defeat to Cardiff.
The Toon have been plagued by inconsistency so far this campaign.
The humiliating defeat to Spurs was the club’s third on the bounce, while they have now lost seven of their last nine games in all competitions.
As a result Pardew can now be found as low as 5/2 (Ladbrokes) in the Premier League Sack Race, second favourite along with Chris Hughton.
The players’ motivation and desire have subsequently been thrust into the spotlight.
The Magpies are currently marooned in mid-table (9th) - but the stumbling block (apart from results) is that Pardew says he doesn't want a Europa League spot!
He claims his team is still feeling the damage after LAST season.
It is probably just as well he isn't at Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal or Chelsea, who are still involved in Europe this season.
As a result this makes Pardew’s job very difficult as the under-fire boss has to motivate a squad that has nothing to play for.
The Toon now have another break, as they are no longer involved in the FA Cup, but they haven't got back on track after the LAST break - when they went to the sun.
They haven't won since!
And Pardew's odds for the sack have dropped from 9/1 to 5/2 overnight!
THE ODDS - NEXT TO BE SACKED
Rene Meulensteen 5/4
Alan Pardew 5/2
Chris Hughton 5/2
Garry Monk 13/2
Paul Lambert 10/1
David Moyes 14/1
Sam Allardyce 25/1
Mauricio Pochettino 28/1
Pepe Mel28/1
Tim Sherwood33/1