Pardew honoured for outstanding season

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has reason to celebrate after being named as the Barclays Premier League's manager of the season.

The 50-year-old has landed the accolade after steering the Magpies into fifth place and putting them into contention for a Champions League qualification spot heading into the final game of the season at Everton on Sunday. Pardew's appointment as the United manager by owner Mike Ashley in December 2010 initially raised a few raised eyebrows following the controversial dismissal of predecessor Chris Hughton, who had guided the club to promotion at the first time of asking. However, he has since won over his doubters who had dubbed him as a member of the so-called 'Cockney Mafia' and this season the former Southampton chief has overseen a number of highlights including a derby victory at Sunderland and a 3-0 success against Manchester United. His astute dealings in the transfer market have brought the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse to the club while the brand of football being played by the team has excited the Toon Army and ensured a return to European football next season.