Magpies aim to stay high fliers

WHEN Alan Pardew accepted the Newcastle manager’s job he received text messages from colleagues saying he must be mad.

But, 12 months on, his position could hardly be more secure.

The 50-year-old yesterday celebrated a year in charge during which he has turned the Magpies from potential relegation material into surprise top six challengers.

A tricky run of games against Man City, Man United and Chelsea, which brought only one point, has seen Newcastle’s flying start stall, and they will be looking to get back to winning ways at Norwich today.

The Geordies will be without Steven Taylor, ruled out for the season following Achilles surgery while Fabricio Coloccini is likely to be missing with a thigh problem. Mike Williamson will not be available for at least a week so 21-year-old Hungarian Tamas Kadar could partner James Perch.

Danny Guthrie (groin) and Cheik Tiote (knee) are sidelined.