Newcastle legend Peter Beardsley feels owner Mike Ashley deserves a more positive press for turning around the fortunes of the club. The 51-year-old former England international is on the Toon coaching staff with the task of identifying a new generation of stars in his role as football development manager.
The Magpies currently stand sixth in the Premier League table with manager Alan Pardew determined to do all he can to secure European qualification in their remaining 10 games of an already impressive campaign.
Beardsley said:
"Unfortunately, he hasn't been given the support he deserves, but now people are starting to realise the club is on an even keel and going in the right direction.
"I have to say - obviously I am biased and it will always be my club - the club is going in the right direction.
"We have got a brilliant owner, a brilliant managing director, a brilliant manager, and if you have got those three who are really positive, you must have a chance."
With the days of marquee signings over, the emphasis is now on producing home-grown players with canny signings.
Beardsley said: "We had a big meeting about it yesterday, and the manager is incredibly positive towards young players.
"I see him every day. The great thing for me about Alan Pardew as a coach/football development manager is, I ask him a question and I get an answer. I don't have to go back in three weeks.
"Don't get me wrong, he doesn't always give me the answer I want, but he always gives me an answer, and he's very positive towards what we are trying to do.
"The manager has promoted a lot of youngsters this season and they have had a chance - and I wouldn't be surprised before the end of the season if one or two more get a chance." "He [Ashley] is different class, I have to say.
