Newcastle manager Alan Pardew feels the return of Cheick Tiote will be important
Monday 24 September 2012 23:01, UK
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is hoping Cheick Tiote's return will help Newcastle rediscover their best form.
Asked what it is that Tiote brings to the team, Pardew said: "Drive, passion, a determination to win whatever he is doing, whether it's table-tennis or a game of football, and an ability that many players can't reach. He is a fantastic player." Although Newcastle have scored just six goals in their first five games, they do have eight points and Pardew is relieved that his team are still getting results while not in full flow. He added: "I am really pleased with the results, if not the excitement levels. Our fans want to get off their seats and so do I. "Don't think we want to grind results out, we don't. We want to play well and win. "We are not doing that at the moment but I am still pleased that we have got enough nous to get the points."