Alan Pardew insists he is not to blame for former club Newcastle’s plight

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has hit back at claims that he is to blame for his old club Newcastle's league positon.

Newcastle have lost their last eight Premier League games and sit just two points above the relegation zone in 15th place.

Pardew, who left the Magpies in January, has been criticised by Freddy Shepherd over the situation that the club find themselves in.

The former Newcastle owner has suggested Pardew is to blame for the club's league position, but the 53-year-old has been quick to dispute that.

"That is typically unfair of that individual, and also the local paper, who make it really difficult for the manager at Newcastle," said Pardew

"The players that they have are trying their very, very best to get that club over the line.

"They are a group at the moment that are short on confidence. I hope John Carver and the team can get over the line on Sunday.

"The players at Newcastle have been tremendous over the years and during the time I was there.

"My results up until I left were pretty excellent, in terms of where we were.

"I'm not here to defend that situation, the only thing I want to state is that I really hope Newcastle win on Saturday - it's a big game for them."