Pardew wins LMA prize

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been named the League Managers Association Manager of the Season.

Magpies chief rewarded for fine campaign

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been named the League Managers Association Manager of the Season. Pardew was honoured with the prize after leading Newcastle to a fifth place finish in the Premier League this season. The 50-year-old beat off the likes of Manchester City's Roberto Mancini, Norwich chief Paul Lambert and Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers to the award. The Magpies chief has confounded the critics who tipped Newcastle to struggle at the start of the campaign by keeping them in contention for a Champions League place right up to the final game of the season. Pardew helped Newcastle finish above the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool this season despite spending less in the transfer market than his rivals and he paid tribute to his backroom team for their success this season. "It is an incredible honour," said Pardew. "Coming from my fellow managers, this really is as good as it gets and has to be the highlight of my managerial career so far. "This award is not just for me. Everything we have achieved has been achieved as a result of an incredible team effort. The board, my coaching staff, backroom team, players and our magnificent supporters - they all play a crucial role and I thank every one of them." Reading chief Brian McDermott was named as the Championship LMA Manager of the Season. Charlton boss Chris Powell scooped the League One Manager prize after leading them to the championship. Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio scooped the League Two Manager of the Year prize after leading the Robins to the championship and promotion back to League One.