• Manager says he would be ‘foolish’ not to worry about the sack
• Return of Loïc Rémy should help Newcastle’s cause

Alan Pardew acknowledges he has cause for concern about his future at Newcastle United. After one win in nine games, no home victory since Boxing Day and having conceded 10 goals but scored none in their last three fixtures, Pardew’s team could do with beating Aston Villa at St James’ Park on Sunday.

“I think I’d be foolish not to worry,” said Newcastle’s manager. “You worry about the next game, you worry about what lies ahead.” Although club sources have played down suggestions Pardew could be sacked should Villa triumph, he has not spoken to the owner, Mike Ashley, since the 4-0 home loss to Spurs 10 days ago. “I’m hurt by the Tottenham performance,” said Pardew, who hopes Fabricio Coloccini and Cheik Tioté pass fitness tests in time to return. “In this city, it’s difficult when you’re not winning home games. If you lose four or five home games at Newcastle you’re under pressure and I don’t hide from that. Winning here means everything to our fans and we need to understand that and play under that pressure.”

If Pardew is reasonably unperturbed about his lack of contact with Ashley – “I wouldn’t say it’s normal [that we haven't spoken], but we do not have too much communication,” he said – he is angry that Paul Lambert, Villa’s manager, has suggested the crowd could turn against Newcastle.

“I’m surprised at that,” said Pardew. “That’s underestimating our fan base because regardless of how they feel about me or any individual player or the owner or anything else, they come for the team and they will come for the team on Sunday. All we have to do is nudge the performance the right way and the place will be roaring. I know that. I have been here before when it has done that after a tricky run. I’m surprised Paul Lambert has said that and I hope our fans prove him wrong.”

While Newcastle are still struggling to adjust to life without Yohan Cabaye, their key midfielder who was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for £20m last month, Pardew is relieved to welcome Loïc Rémy back from a three-game suspension.

Rémy’s 11 goals have helped lift Newcastle into a deceptively comfortable looking ninth position, and Pardew is delighted that no further action will be taken over a rape allegation against the France striker. “That’s been a big relief to Loïc and his family,” said Newcastle’s manager. “Loïc’s done remarkably well considering he’s had that hanging over him all season. With its removal I see a real new lease of life in him.”

• Newcastle United
• Alan Pardew
• Aston Villa

Louise Taylor

theguardian.com