Newcastle manager Alan Pardew praises owner Mike Ashley for 'hands-off' approach

Alan Pardew: Newcastle boss has praised Magpies owner Mike Ashley

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has praised owner Mike Ashley for allowing him to do his job free of undue interference.

Ashley appointed Pardew as Magpies boss in December 2010 after Chris Hughton was sacked, with the Londoner guiding the club to fifth in the Premier League last season.

"He is the best chairman I have had in terms of letting me work," said Pardew.

"He hardly ever bothers me and if he does, it's about a decision involving the budget, questions like, 'Was that a good move?' or 'Could we have paid less?'.

"But outside of the team, very rarely will he stop me and say, 'Why did you sub him at that time?' or 'What's the story with him? Why isn't he playing?'

"He trusts me and knows I am being fair. I am trying to get the best out of the team."

Despite missing out on a number of key transfer targets over the summer, including Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy and FC Twente defender Douglas, Pardew is convinced he will he backed by Ashley in the transfer market.

"There have been times when (managing director) Derek (Llambias) has said, 'It's out of the budget' or 'It doesn't work', but Mike has said, 'Do it'. Don't think that might not happen again," added Pardew.

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