Pardew's why the Magpies are soaring

PICTURE: AFP

IN SPITE of all expectations and predictions, Newcastle United are riding high in the Premier League, unbeaten and undaunted.

That they have done so is testament to the managerial acumen and general shrewdness of Alan Pardew.

Another win, their sixth of the season, against Stoke yesterday morning (Singapore time), pushed the Magpies into third - just a point behind Manchester United.

And all this after Pardew was given the frostiest of welcomes by the Newcastle fans when he succeeded Chris Hughton, who was cruelly and unnecessarily sacked.