‘Tough’ - Manager opens up about abuse he received at Newcastle United - it’s not Steve Bruce

The 63-year-old was the longest-reigning manager of the Ashley era, with his stint spanning just over four years. Pardew was an unpopular appointment given Chris Hughton’s unjustified sacking days earlier.

However, he initially won supporters over by finishing fifth in his first full season in charge. Europa League football also provided memorable nights for Toon fans but that was as good as it got under Pardew.

Inconsistent form and derby defeats - not aided by a lack of upstairs investment - saw Pardew jump ship to join Crystal Palace in December 2014. He left St James’ Park having managed 184 games, with a 39 per cent win percentage.

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The mood shifted towards Pardew near the end - a key factor behind his exit. A section of supporters created a website urging Ashley to pull the trigger, with the infamous “Welsh town” banner also unveiled Swansea City.

Pardew highlighted fans’ strained relationship with the Sports Direct tycoon as a key reason for their anger. He told talkSPORT: “I also, at Reading, I was only manager about six games and they had pants day. All the fans came with pants in their head… because they thought the football was pants!

“I’ve been through a few (fan protests), it’s not just Newcastle. You have moments where it’s not going for you. Newcastle was a little bit different because of Mike Ashley. They didn’t want the owner and that sent it onto me a little bit.

“But you have to be resilient as a football manager. You have to be tough, with a tough outer core and inner core. You have to go home and try to be normal.

“The building blocks of a manager, player or coach’s career are the knockbacks you get. You’re always getting knockbacks so you have to be resilient.”