... the club’s absence from the Europa League.
Alan Pardew: "Last season we were unable to cope with the increased fixture demands of Europe.
"It is no coincidence that the form of Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City has suffered because of the Europa League.
“I still think that the Europa League needs to change for clubs in the Premier League.
“It needs to go to Monday night. If they are going to insist we play on a Thursday then we have to play our subsequent league game on a Monday. I think that would be fair.
“If teams play in the Champions League on a Wednesday, they often play on a Sunday. That’s fair and gives you just enough time. But Thursday to Sunday is not fair.”
I'm sure the devoted fans who travel to away games wouldn't agree with Monday evening matches, although perhaps the TV channels would relish it.