Steve Stone says Alan Pardew made a great decision in bringing back himself and John Carver to Newcastle United.

The Londoner has surrounded himself with Geordies on his coaching staff.

Stone told the Sunday Sun: "He was clever. He got myself and John, who are Newcastle people and understand the club, understand the culture and understand the supporters.

"We've been players, we've been supporters in this area. That's a clever piece of management on his part," Stone said.

"He does use us. We'll mention things to him. We'll say 'Listen, it's really positive out there on the streets'.

"We can tell him people are pleased with how you're coming across gaffer, and he can utilise that.

"At first he didn't know the area, the local newspapers - he's getting to know them now though."