Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has hailed the influence of their fans in this season's success.

The Magpies head to Stoke City on today with five wins and four draws from their opening nine games.

"I think it's very important that you have a good feeling running through the club, from the terraces right down to the pitchside," said Pardew.

"I think there's a trust from the terraces in what we're doing. Especially in the players that we have.

"That trust has come out in a number of areas this year that have seen us get victories. And you can't do that without the tremendous backing that we've got here.

"I think they see that we're trying to do it the right way, approaching the game in the right style, and hopefully producing football that makes them want to come back every week.

"The support helps when bad days come along, and they will come along. We're going to have some tough days and if they trust that the management and the players are doing everything to try to win the game then they'll stay with you."