Another award for Alan Pardew

Just days after being voted the Barclays Manager of the Season, Alan Pardew has another gong to show for his efforts this season.

He has now been voted the LMA Manager of the Season, which is arguably a better achievement on the grounds that it is an award voted on by fellow managers.

That means that within the game it is recognised how well Pardew and Newcastle have done this season. Granted it finished with a whimper at Everton, but on the whole it's been first class and has gone way beyond any sane expectations.

Newcastle won half of their games throughout the season which isn't bad at all and has ensured we finished in a European qualification spot. We've recorded 15 clean sheets in those games although the fact that we've still conceded so many goals is alarming. In fairness, I don't think that would have been the case had Steven Taylor avoided a serious injury, and I don't think it will be the case next season with what will hopefully be a beefed up defence...

All in all Pardew has done well to win this award and it shows that the work that has gone on at Newcastle has been picked up on within the game. Speaking at the awards, Pardew had this to say:

"It is an incredible honour," said Pardew. "Coming from my fellow managers, this really is as good as it gets and has to be the highlight of my managerial career so far."

"This award is not just for me. Everything we have achieved has been achieved as a result of an incredible team effort. The board, my coaching staff, backroom team, players and our magnificent supporters - they all play a crucial role and I thank every one of them."

The key thing now is to prove that it wasn't a one off and to show we are good enough to do it again next season. With the right player recruitment and a similar approach to this season there is no reason why we can't, even with the Europa League to contend with.

Only three months to go...