Managing director Lee Charnley, the man responsible for repeatedly saying that cup competitions are not a priority, was lavish in his praise of a manager who has hardly moved us forward in the last four years.
Charnley’s claim that Pardew had left the club in far better shape than he had found it. Has he?
Four years of NOTHINGNESS in cup competitions, although we did have a decent run in the Europa Cup ... and Alan Pardew moaned his way throughout, saying "we can do without this competition".
Charnley is second left
Lee Charnley: “I would like to thank Alan for his service to the club.
“Despite public perceptions, fuelled by the media, Mike Ashley had never met nor spoken to Alan before his appointment.
“However what developed over the last four years was a very strong and positive relationship between all parties.
“It is these relationships that, four years later, means the club is in a far better position, both on and off the field, and Alan has had a big part to play in that.
“During his time with us Alan achieved two top 10 Premier League finishes, including a fifth-place finish in 2012, as well as taking us to the quarter final of the Europa League. He goes with our best wishes and thanks.
“John Carver and Steve Stone will be in the dugout for at least today’s fixture, the club's FA Cup third round tie at Leicester City.
“The search for a head coach has begun and an announcement will follow in due course.”
So Ashley had never met Pardew BEFORE his appointment?
Utter bollox!
Pardew, Ashley and Llambias used to gamble in Llambias' casino in London!
This photo was taken BEFORE the appointment.
