Alan Pardew: 'I don't think Newcastle United will be relegated'

Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that he is hopeful that the Magpies will avoid relegation to the Championship.

Pardew departed St James' Park with the club comfortable in mid-table, but nine games without a win have left the North-East outfit two points above the drop zone.

Newcastle can guarantee their Premier League status with a win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday afternoon and Pardew, now in charge of Crystal Palace, is keen to see his former side get over the line.

The 53-year-old told reporters: "I don't think Newcastle will go down.

"It's a strange scenario where they've found themselves. I made some great friends in Newcastle and I really hope they get over the line this weekend."

Pardew spent four years at Newcastle before his exit earlier this campaign.