Social media site Twitter is on fire tonight with reports escalating over the last hour that Alan Pardew has been sacked by Newcastle United after the club held talks for most of the day. The rumours are unconfirmed with reports suggesting that an official announcement is due tomorrow.
Pardew signed a massive 8 year contract in September last year but the termination of his managerial contract at the club would not cost Mike Ashley as much as the headline would suggest. Instead Ashley would be expected to pay Pardew one year of his salary after a one year get out clause or pre agreed settlement fee was inserted into the contract.
Pardew who today became the 2nd longest serving manager in the Premier League, behind Arsene Wenger, has been at the club for two and a half years and has previously made no secret of the fact that his Newcastle career could be on the line after a relegation battle and 16th place finish in the League.
However, just three days ago Pardew was quote by Sky Sports saying that there was no uncertainty about his position at the club. He said;
“There's no uncertainty about my position. I expect to be manager 100 per cent. It was a good lunch.
Mike just comes and generally has a chat, says hello to everyone and he thanked all the players for their efforts.
We all know it has not been our greatest season but you cannot say we've not given 100 per cent.
We have and therefore have a better scenario next year and we all have to pull together. That was basically his message.
Like all clubs, we will be sitting down again, discussing plans for next year."
So if the rumours are proved to be true would you want to see replace him? Gus Poyet or Roberto Di Matteo seem to be top contenders but Tony Pulis, Roberto Mancini and Rafa Benitez are all also free agents.