Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has outlined his plan to deliver the Magpies’ first piece of silverware for 43 years as his side claimed a battling 2-2 draw with Premier League new boys Reading.
The result at the Majedski capped off a quite remarkable week for the 51-year-old, who was rewarded for his impressive work in the North East with a stunning new eight-year deal.
Pardew, however, has reiterated that he will not rest on his laurels following his contract extension and instead is targeting the Champions League and beyond.
“I genuinely believe we can win something,” Pardew told reporters. “I think we can break that Champions League position.
“We came very close last year, we’ve kept all our best players, our young players are coming through, when this team is fully fit we can deal with anything.”
Pardew also shrugged off suggestions that Newcastle’s history of instability with regards to its managerial appointments would play a part in his future, stating that those times were gone on Tyneside.
“Most managers look at the history of a club and worry,” Pardew added. “But the contract is Mike [Ashley], the Newcastle United owner’s confidence in me.
“I know the conditions and I can work within them. And the length of contract gives me the opportunity to look at all these young players.”
Following their point at Reading, Newcastle sit comfortably in ninth position after six games played, and take on Bordeaux in the Europa League on Thursday.