Pardew preparing his list to combat threadbare squad

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew is readying himself for a difficult transfer window as he attempts to drag the club out of its recent slump.

Wednesday’s 3-2 home defeat by West Brom left the Magpies without a win in six Barclays Premier League games with the manager admitting his squad is being tested to the full by injuries and suspensions.

Pardew was unable to call upon central defender Steven Taylor, who is out for the season after surgery to repair his Achilles, and lost full-back Davide Santon to a knee problem, while Yohan Cabaye and Dan Gosling were both suspended.