Pardew sets sights on silverware

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is desperate to get his hands on some silverware next season.

The club’s last trophy was the European Fairs Cup in 1969 and they have not claimed a major domestic prize since winning the FA Cup in 1955.

“The thing we really need to bring into this club is two or three players who have real flair and can excite our crowd,” Pardew said.

“It is going to be very, very difficult, of course, to break into that Champions League position or push for Europe at this stage.”

“But it would be nice to play a brand of football that is suited to Newcastle – an attacking, front-foot type of game-plan in every game we play and see where it takes us.”

“That’s the key because if we have a bigger squad, then maybe we can attack one of the cups.”

“That’s probably the first thing on our agenda, to try to win a cup as soon as we can.”

“When I was at West Ham, we targeted the FA Cup and came within a whisker of winning it, so it’s not something I have lost focus on.”

Newcastle have been comfortable in their first season back in the top flight, despite the potentially disruptive mid-term event of Pardew replacing Chris Hughton at the helm in December.

Pardew wants more investment in the team to allow him to take the club on to bigger success.

“It will give him belief that we are doing the right things and putting the right things in place to take the club forward. If I was the owner I’d be a little bit more secure in investing.”

“The next stage for us is to bring the players in to take us on.”

“You’ve got to give the fans hope and belief, and they will have been buoyed by what they have seen with the young players.”

“But they will also be hoping to see one or two big players come in.”

Newcastle will be without goalkeeper Steve Harper (ankle), defenders Mike Williamson (broken arm) and Thomas Kadar (hamstring) plus midfielders Dan Gosling (knee) and Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg). Forward Leon Best (ankle) will also be unavailable.

Midfielder Kazenga Lua Lua has recovered from his broken leg and could play a part in Sunday’s home game against West Brom.