Alan Pardew and Newcastle United have come a long way. Incredibly when Pardew was brought in to replace the popular Chris Hughton in December 2010, Newcastle fans didn’t want anything to do with him! How times have changed.

Now just take a look at Newcastle. They have climbed back up the ladder from the humiliation of relegation in 2009 to become every neutral’s favourite second team.

Pardew’s side whilst not having as many star-names as Kevin Keegan’s side in the mid 90s, are as entertaining to watch as that great team and are certainly better defensively.

They play football the right way and there is a feel-good factor around the city which was probably last felt when Sir Bobby Robson last guided them into the Champions League in 2002. The one advantage that this current Newcastle side has over Keegan and Robson’s side is that this is a young team which has unlimited potential.

Of course though potential is one of those words in football which can often be a cursed one. Any Newcastle fan in all honesty probably would accept that if good results continue then it will be highly unlikely that Pardew – despite signing a new 8-year contract (since when do contracts like that exist in football?) – and the team’s current star players will all still be at the club in say 4-5 years time.

Demba Ba despite his stunning start to the season is being linked away from the club thanks to alleged quotes made by his agent criticising Pardew. Midfield duo Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye have been linked with every top 4 club in England as well as big Champions League sides and then there’s that mercurial talent Hatem Ben Arfa.

Once seen as a ‘bad-egg’ of French football because of his tantrums whilst at first Lyon and then Marsielle, the winger has revitalised his career at Newcastle and has to his credit forced his way back into the French squad. At his best he is unplayable. Able to dribble with the ball at speed, he has shown great heart in coming back from a broken-leg which ruled him out for the best part of a season two years ago.

Pardew’s side will be tough to beat on Sunday and right now despite being four points being league leaders Chelsea, if Manchester United could come back from St James’ Park (face it, who really calls it the Sports Direct Arena?) on Sunday with a point, it will be seen as a point gained rather than two lost. Newcastle have become a side tough to beat then again who would really bet against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men from coming back with the victory against all the odds. They’ve done it so many times after a set-back fans have lost count.

By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87