Alan Pardew fires back at Simon Jordan after disrespectful Eddie Howe comments - Video

Alan Pardew has hit back at Simon Jordan's claim that Eddie Howe is nothing more than a "gatekeeper" for a better manager at Newcastle United.

Pardew feels it's disrespectful and unfair to suggest the Saudi PIF will be looking for an upgrade sooner rather than later, feeling Howe's work has "earned the respect" to oversee the new phase of this exciting project.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Toon boss feels this season was "always going to be difficult" due to the added expectation and busy schedule. He thinks we got "found out a little bit" in the Champions League, feels we haven't been quite "as fluid" this season and believes the squad require some surgery this summer, but insists that Howe has proven he is capable of overseeing success at St James' Park.

“I don't like the term gatekeeper. That's not respectful or a nice thing to say about someone that's done a terrific job", Pardew said.

"It was always going to be a difficult year after the fantastic year they had last year and with the Champions League campaign which I actually commentated on and went to most of their games.

“They got found out a little bit, the quality was above them, and they’re suffering, they’re not as fluid as they were last year. There needs to be some surgery on the squad in the summer.

“I think Eddie has earned the respect to do that surgery. The problem that they face with the financial rules is how much they can spend and how much manoeuvrability they have got.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuGOK4VF5UI&ab_channel=talkSPORT