‘Impossible job’ - Former Newcastle United boss compares Gareth Southgate 'abuse' to his St James’ Park experience

Alan Pardew has admitted “tough weeks” from Newcastle United supporters are comparable to sentiment towards England manager Gareth Southgate.

The 62-year-old spent four years at St James’ Park during the height of Mike Ashley’s ownership. Pardew guided Newcastle to the previous regime’s finest hour with a fifth-placed finish in 2011-12.

However, he failed to replicate those heroics without further backing in the transfer market. Several heavy defeats - including against bitter rivals Sunderland - changed fan opinion and he ultimately left to join Crystal Palace in 2014.

The Magpies were ninth and Pardew was the current Premier League Manager of the Month when he left almost a decade ago. But his reign was blighted by inconsistencies which, in hindsight, can be attributed to the owner.

Speaking to talkSPORT, former Toon boss Pardew drew parallels between the abuse he received and what Southgate is currently experiencing. This comes after criticism of England’s performance in their Euro 2024 opening-day win over Serbia.

“When I was at Newcastle, in particular, we had some tough weeks in terms of the crowd getting on us,” he said. “I felt myself getting defensive - particularly in the press room. It focused the mind. So I’m sure Gareth will be focused on his job. You start to feel defensive in there (the media room).”

Pardew also admitted that the “pressure is on” Southgate to go all the way in his fourth major tournament. England, alongside France, Portugal and Germany, are regarded as one of the favourites to win next month’s final in Berlin.

“This was the impossible job before Gareth got it,” he added. “It was never the impossible job, someone just needed to bring some common sense to it and have an even keel. Gareth has done that. But of course, the pressure is on him to actually get a trophy and get over the line. He knows that.

“He’s already mentioned in his interviews that this might be his last tournament. He’s sensible to know that is the situation. The bottom line for him, of course, is performances. His first performance hasn’t gone great but he got a win. Onto the next one.”