Mike Ashley yesterday placed the future of Newcastle United firmly in the hands of manager Alan Pardew when the owner handed him a staggering eight-year contract.
Pardew, assistant John Carver, coach Steve Stone and goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman have all been given identical deals with chief scout Graham Carr having signed his own eight-year contract in June.
The announcement represents a huge vote of faith in Pardew and his staff with the 51-year-old having initially taken over from the sacked Chris Hughton in December 2010 on a five-year deal which few expected him to see out.
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