Ashley begins search for new boss as Pardew set for Palace

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

The sportswear tycoon had already put the wheels in motion amid fevered speculation over the identity of the seventh permanent boss to occupy the St James’ Park hot-seat during his seven and a half year reign to date.

Many of the names thrown up by the rumour mill have been discounted by sources on Tyneside, with current skipper Fabricio Coloccini and former York boss Nigel Worthington at the top of that list, while former Palace manager Tony Pulis and Tottenham counterpart Tim Sherwood are also understood not to be in the running.