Palace boss Pardew has kind words for former employer Newcastle

Despite leaving the Tynesiders under less than desirable circumstances last season, Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew said he is "desperate" for Newcastle to avoid the drop this season.

Pardew returns to St. James' Park for a homecoming of sorts Saturday after leaving the club in December amid what the Chronicle characterised as, "Arguably the worst personal abuse a Newcastle manager has had to endure at any game. It was an excruciating afternoon for all concerned."

The former Palace player was then given permission to speak with the Croydon club after Neil Warnock stepped down as Eagles' boss, with Pardew signing a 31/2-year deal on Jan. 3, 2015.

Even with the derision that shrouded his Newcastle exit, Pardew hopes the side sitting second from bottom with three matches to play can avoid relegation.

"I loved managing Newcastle," he said. "I had some great times there and some difficult ones."

One point adrift of 17th-placed rival Sunderland and with an inferior goal differential, Pardew hopes the Magpies can stay up with their fourth manager in two seasons.

"They've improved under Rafa Benitez. He's managed at the very top of the game. Of course I want them to stay up. I'm desperate they stay up."

With Palace's top-flight safety all but mathematically secure and an FA Cup final date with Manchester United on the horizon, Pardew admits the sentimental bearing of the fixture will not cloud Palace's ambitions.

"Having said that, my job is to get the three points for Crystal Palace. The atmosphere will be red hot and their team has improved. It's a tough ask to try to win there."