Newcastle United: 5 Things Alan Pardew & the Magpies Need to Succeed in 2011-12

Alan Pardew replaced Chris Hughton as Newcastle United boss in the middle of last season. The move seemed crazy to many fans and probably still has many baffled to this day.

However, there is no going back now, and with the new season swiftly approaching, it is important that the Magpies continue moving forward.

With the deal for Andy Carroll bringing in additional transfer cash in January and the painful sale of Captain Kevin Nolan to West Ham, the Toon needs to reinvest wisely and make some good decisions to make sure they do not end up finishing lower than 12th in their second year back up.

5. Sort out the Defensive Ins and Outs

Danny Simpson could leave if his talks for a new contract break down. Jose Enrique looks almost certain to leave if the right price comes in. Swansea City's Neil Taylor could be in line to a move north if his speculated move indeed pans out.

Whatever happens, it is important that this all get sorted out. If it means adding a third Taylor to the mix or keeping already proven squad members, it is important to get them working together in preseason.

4. Keep Joey Barton

Barton looks to finally have grown out of his rebellious stage, and he had one of the best years of his career last season for the Toon. However, the recent departures of Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan may have unsettled him.

As the perspective new captain for Alan Pardew, it is important that he keeps hold of his best central midfielder remaining. With Arsenal considering a move for him, he could very well jump to get out.

3. Bring in a Replacement for Kevin Nolan

The departure of Kevin Nolan leaves quite a hole in the middle of the Magpies midfield. They need someone to fill his boots and fast, and it looks like Celtic's hard-nosed Scott Brown is in line for the position.

This is another key issue that Pardew needs to fix in the next few weeks as they need to show intent of moving forward to try and help retain their current players like Barton and Enrique, who are considering moves away.

2. Re-Sign a Legend

The Magpies need a new man to wear the captain's arm band, and if Barton does not get it, perhaps an old hero should come back and claim it.

That player that could return is Shay Given. The former shot stopper left for "greener pastures" at Manchester City. However, the Citizens won their first trophy with with Given on the bench for the entire season.

The veteran EPL keeper needs to move now that Joe Hart has displaced him, and Newcastle provides better opportunity than both of his interested party's of Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion.

1. Sign or Loan in a Strike Partner for Demba Ba

With the additons of Demba Ba and Sylvain Marveaux, there is proof that the Magpies are trying to reinvigorate their front line. However, Ba is going to need a companion that is up to it. Nile Ranger is still young, and Shola Ameobi is not going to be enough. Neither is Peter Lovenkrands.

Loan moves for either Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge, or Liverpool's Dani Pacheco would be good plans, or the purchase of Sunderland's Asamoah Gyan could also be an affordable option, as he has been put up for sale by Steve Bruce and is receiving interest from Tottenham and Stoke City..