Alan Pardew has taken his leave of Newcastle as he prepares to take up the reins at Crystal Palace.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has launched the search for a new manager with Alan Pardew’s departure for Crystal Palace imminent.

Newcastle are unlikely to make a swift appointment as they look for a replacement for manager Alan Pardew after ruling out skipper Fabricio Coloccini as a candidate.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley today placed the future firmly in the hands of manager Alan Pardew when he handed him a staggering eight-year contract.

Everton 2 Newcastle 2

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has identified where the squad he inherited from Chris Hughton needs to be reinforced.

Alan Pardew acknowledged he faces a difficult task winning over the Newcastle fans as he was unveiled as manager this afternoon.

Sol Campbell tonight condemned Newcastle’s sacking of manager Chris Hughton and claimed the players will be asking: “What the hell is going on?”

Chris Hughton has today been sacked as Newcastle manager with the club saying they need someone with “more managerial expertise” to take them forward.

Sol Campbell could be confirmed as a Newcastle player today after the former England defender appeared to have chosen to continue his long career with a move to St James’ Park.

Newcastle have confirmed that Alan Thompson has left the club by mutual consent.

Leeds 0 Sunderland 3

Leeds 0 Sunderland 3

Leeds 0 Wolves 1

FORMER Preston winger Eddie Lewis struck a superb free-kick to rescue Leeds from defeat and leave the Coca-Cola Championship play-off semi-final delicately poised.

Leeds 1 Preston 1

KEVIN BLACKWELL is hoping the spirit of 2001 will sweep Leeds back into the big time via the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND international Jonathan Douglas is hopeful that yesterday’s transfer from Blackburn Rovers to Leeds United will finally provide him with the regular football he has been yearning for.

Leeds have been rocked by the news experienced midfielder Steve Stone will miss up to three months with an Achilles injury.

Leeds striker Rob Hulse has been ruled out of action for at least a fortnight after suffering ankle ligament damage.

Italian goalkeeper Emanuele Belardi is in line to join Portsmouth if they can offload Greek misfit Kostas Chalkias.

Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin continued his preparations for the new season with the completion of midfielder John Viafara’s transfer from Once Caldas.

Portsmouth are believed to have made Norwich a take it or leave it offer of £1.75m for their midfielder Damien Francis.

Leeds have signed former England winger Steve Stone on a two-year deal.

Portsmouth are ready to test the strength of relegated Southampton’s resolve to keep striker Peter Crouch.

Former England footballer Des Walker was arrested today just hours after playing in his own testimonial match.

Portsmouth 1 Bolton 1

Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin finds his resources fully stretched for tomorrow’s final home Premiership game of the season against Bolton with Steve Stone (Achilles) and Aliou Cisse (ankle) joining his injury list.

Manager Alain Perrin handed record signing Diomansy Kamara the task of gaining Portsmouth the point they require to cement a place in the Zurich Premiership next season.

LIVERPOOL found a cure for their Premiership travel sickness as goals from Fernando Morientes and Luis Garcia condemned new Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin to his first defeat last night.

Champions-elect Chelsea were rescued by a late Didier Drogba equaliser against Birmingham at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham 3 Portsmouth 1

Alex Ferguson has admitted Chelsea's march towards a first league title for Chelsea in 50 years looks "unassailable".

Chelsea maintained their 11-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premiership but were made to fight for a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United 2 Portsmouth 1

Portsmouth, playing their last home match for five weeks, had Steve Stone back in midfield after injury to face Aston Villa.

Steve Stone and Andy Griffin return from hamstring injuries for Portsmouth at home to Aston Villa in the Barclays Premiership tomorrow, but a chest infection may delay the recall of Lomana LuaLua after a four-match suspension.

Striker Diomansy Kamara, back from a one-match ban, and full-back Andy Griffin, out for four games with a hamstring injury, are set to return to the Portsmouth squad to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane tomorrow.

Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge returned to Chelsea’s line-up as the Blues looked to extend their lead at the top of the table against Portsmouth.

Portsmouth midfielders Richard Hughes and Aliou Cisse are in line for rare starts with Lomana LuaLua and Amdy Faye suspended for the visit to runaway leaders Chelsea.

LEON OSMAN struck in injury-time to give Everton victory after they had dominated the final stages against Portsmouth at Goodison Park last night.

Portsmouth 1 Norwich 1

Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premiership to eight points with a 2-0 win at Portsmouth.

Portsmouth 0 Arsenal 1