• Premier League

Pardew & Kompany land top league honours

May 11, 2012
Alan Pardew has kept Newcastle United right in the Champions League hunt © PA Photos
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Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been named the Premier League's Manager of the Season, the club announced on Friday.

Pardew, 50, has been honoured after steering the club into fifth place heading into the final game of the season and still in with a chance of Champions League qualification.

Pardew was appointed by owner Mike Ashley in December 2010 after the controversial dismissal of predecessor Chris Hughton, the man who had guided Newcastle back into the top flight at the first attempt.

Initially dismissed as just another member of the so-called 'Cockney Mafia', he has won over his doubters to preside over a remarkable campaign which has included derby victory at Sunderland, a 3-0 defeat of Manchester United and a sensational 2-0 victory at Chelsea.

His astute dealings in the transfer market have brought the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse to the club and helped to produce a brand of football which has excited the Toon Army and ensured a return to European football next season.

Meanwhile, Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, the Player of the Season, was rewarded for his talismanic performances at the heart of the City defence as they close in on the Premier League title.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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