Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley was on the phone to Alan Pardew after Crystal Palace's win over Tottenham.

Pardew walked out on Newcastle just days before returning to Palace so was delighted to pick up Ashley's message minutes after the final whistle.

"When I checked my phone after the game the first person who texted me was Mike Ashley and I appreciated that," he said.

"He knew that probably it was the right time for everybody concerned.

"He just said it was a great result and I appreciated that."