Newcastle United hero Rob Lee has grudgingly praised manager Alan Pardew for the team's turnaround.
Lee wrote in the Evening Chronicle: "Is Alan Pardew a good football manager?
"This is a question I have been asked once or twice over the years. It's a difficult one for me to answer.
"After some consideration I would say that, yes, on the whole he is a good manager. His overall results make a strong case for this assertion.
"I don't think he's a great manager, although I'm quite sure Alan himself would tell you that if you asked him.
"He's never been short of confidence or self-belief.
"Right. I'll lay my cards on the table here.
"I personally wouldn't have Pardew as Newcastle United manager. He wasn't my first choice or that or any supporter, I'd imagine, when he arrived at the club three years ago.
"I would have preferred Harry Redknapp. I still would, if I'm honest, if it was down to me."
