5 Reasons Why Newcastle United Must Fire Alan Pardew

Alan Pardew entered the record books on Saturday as the first Newcastle United boss to oversee five consecutive defeats in the Premier League, and things could get worse between now and the end of the season.

The Toon’s next three fixtures comprise a home tie with relegation battlers Cardiff City and trips to Champions League-chasing Arsenal and title favourites Liverpool.

Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Swansea City was played out in front of a crowd of over 51,000 at St. James’ Park, but another lifeless performance on the pitch inspired nothing but apathy on the terraces.

So as the Magpies’ campaign draws to a close, Bleacher Report looks at five reasons why Pardew should face the sack once term has ended at Anfield on May 11.

An Abysmal Record in 2014

Scott Heppell

There’s little doubt 2014 has been an absolute horror show for anyone connected to Newcastle United, with 12 of their 17 games ending in defeat.

In 11 of those fixtures, the Magpies have failed to find the net and have collected just 13 points out of a possible 48 this year—less than relegation-threatened Fulham and bottom-of-the-table Sunderland.

In the same period, Alan Pardew’s side have garnered a goal difference of minus-20, scored just 11 times and suffered a hat-trick of 3-0 and a trio of 4-0 defeats along the way.

In their 20-year Premier League history, this is one of the most fruitless runs the club has been on, and for that reason alone, a change of manager should be the first step toward a major overhaul.

A Lack of Belief in the Dressing Room

Michael Regan/Getty Images

When one of the most respected and popular figures at a football club launches a tirade of criticism at his manager in front of the entire matchday squad, it doesn’t take a genius to detect a dangerous problem.

And this is exactly the scenario that played out in the Newcastle United dressing room following defeat at Stoke City earlier this month, as reported by Alan Nixon in The Daily Mirror. 

The player in question was captain and fan favourite Fabricio Coloccini, and in his line of fire after another woeful performance, along with his teammates, was boss Alan Pardew.

The Toon skipper is seen as one of the most influential players behind the scenes at St. James’ Park, and his outburst has been mirrored by the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa.

But more damaging than anything that was vocalised at The Britannia Stadium that afternoon is the fact that the players’ faith in their manager has dwindled, as has their desire to perform for him.

Support from the Fans Has All but Disappeared

Jon Super

It was back in early April, in the wake of a humiliating home defeat to Manchester United, that local newspaper the Evening Chronicle ran a telling poll. The result was unanimous.

As reported by Mike Kelly, 86 per cent of supporters wanted Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew to be sacked—a figure that is likely to have increased after subsequent losses to Stoke City and Swansea. 

In many people’s eyes, his infamous headbutt incident at Hull City presented the perfect opportunity for owner Mike Ashley to wield the axe and hire a new boss.

And while the alarming malaise that has engulfed the Toon’s support isn’t just a product of Pardew, as the public face of the club, he has become public enemy No. 1 on Tyneside.

Some Highly Questionable Tactics

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Newcastle United’s starting line-up against Swansea City on Saturday had even the most seasoned supporters scratching their heads in bewilderment in the stands.

At right-back was Vurnon Anita, a technically gifted central midfielder who crafted his reputation at Ajax’s famed academy before representing Holland in that very position.

On the right wing, Papiss Cisse toiled in unfamiliar surroundings before being withdrawn through injury. He is an internationally acclaimed striker with 29 caps and 15 goals for Senegal.

Alan Pardew’s scattergun decisions have had a deeply unsettling effect on the Magpies, and decisions such as playing three at the back at Stoke City this month indicate degrees of panic and desperation in equal measure.

One Excuse After Another

Ivan Sekretarev

In a bizarre twist on a classic British pastime, Newcastle United fans have taken to playing “Pardew Excuse Bingo” in an effort to lighten the ever-darkening mood on Tyneside.

And thanks to the main character in this offbeat but telling satire, fresh fuel for the game is never far away.

Whether it’s injuries to key players, the sale of his best players, European involvement or good old-fashioned pressure, the Toon boss has become the king of justification.

Already perceived to be out of ideas, many feel the 52-year-old has concocted one excuse too many. And with the form his team are in, even Alan Pardew could run out before the end of the season.