Pardew: "sometimes things are taken out of context"

Alan Pardew has suggested that remarks by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley that he could loose his job could have been taken out of context.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday morning, Pardew said: "If it was a sit-down interview done in a serious manner, I'd be a lot more concerned than I am today, that's for sure."

Ashley indicated earlier this week that Pardew's position was not in jeopardy despite a difficult start to the season, and the club's situation has improved somewhat since then.

Last weekend, striker Papiss Cisse came off the bench to score a late double to secure a 2-2 league draw with Hull, and a much-changed side booked a place in the Capital One Cup fourth round with a 3-2 extra time victory at Crystal Palace.

Pardew still has to win over the critics among his own club's fans - a militant section of them is unlikely to be placated - and Newcastle remain at the foot of the table, but he has enjoyed a much more positive week.

He said: "For anything in your life, you have to be focused on what is the goal. There's a simple goal for us on Monday night: we want to get a win.

"We showed our spirit on the pitch on Wednesday when we were down to 10 men in extra time to get a winner. That shows we're fighting.

"We've had two morale-boosting displays, the comeback draw against Hull and the win at Palace, and that gives us something to lean on."