Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas insists he gets along with Newcastle United rival Alan Pardew.

Villas-Boas kicks-off his Spurs reign at Newcastle and can't wait for his reunion with Toon boss Pardew.

The pair clashed during and after Chelsea's 3-0 win at ­Newcastle, but Villas-Boas said: "I have an excellent ­relationship with him.

"We were together for the Monaco Grand Prix and spoke a little bit there and regularly on the phone.

"He was one of the managers that showed respect to me when I left Chelsea and I appreciated his words (in a press conference).

"I made sure I thanked him for that.

"The ­option came (at Spurs) and I am grateful to be back at this level in the Premier League and I'm very excited. It's important for us to start well."