Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew insists he's not to blame for Newcastle United's crisis.

Pardew left Newcastle midseason for Palace and has been blamed by former Toon chairman Freddy Shepherd for the current situation.

"That is typically unfair of that individual, and also the local paper, who make it really difficult for the manager at Newcastle," said Pardew.

"The players that they have are trying their very, very best to get that club over the line.

"They are a group at the moment that are short on confidence. I hope John Carver and the team can get over the line on Sunday.

"The players at Newcastle have been tremendous over the years and during the time I was there.

"My results up until I left were pretty excellent, in terms of where we were.

"I'm not here to defend that situation, the only thing I want to state is that I really hope Newcastle win on Saturday - it's a big game for them."