Premier League: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew vows to stay

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has vowed to remain at the club in the wake of key changes at St James' Park.

Pardew signed an eight-year contract in September last year, his reward for guiding the club into the Premier League's top five and back into Europe. However, the top flight Manager of the Year's fortunes dipped alarmingly last season when a squad which had not been sufficiently strengthened during the summer, much to his disappointment, was exposed as it attempted to negotiate its way through a cluttered fixture schedule. Ashley backed a belated January rebuilding programme as an unlikely fight against relegation ensued, but the Magpies limped over the finishing line to come home in 16th place. Pardew's future was a matter of some speculation as a difficult campaign drew to a close, and even he admitted he could be relieved of his duties. However, he emerged from an end-of-season debrief still in post and ready for a fresh assault on the Premier League. He will work alongside Kinnear to identify new signings, although Sky Sports understands the club have now decided against signing Brazilian-born defender Douglas. Douglas is available on a free transfer after leaving FC Twente, and an agreement with Newcastle was on the cards. However, the 25-year-old will now not be moving to St James' Park and Sky Sports understands that the decision was made by Kinnear. It is understood Kinnear has already identified other defensive targets for the club to move for this summer.