LONDON -- Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has urged the club he managed during the first half of the season to use their fraught battle against relegation as a springboard for a brighter future, as he backed them to stay in the Premier League for another season.
Newcastle were sitting in ninth position in the Premier League when Pardew left to take over at Crystal Palace in January, but they head into the final game of the season needing to beat West Ham at St James' Park to ensure their position in the Premier League for next season.
A draw or a defeat on Sunday will leave Newcastle hoping Hull fail to beat Manchester United, with Pardew admitting he is surprised by the scale of their demise since his departure.
Even though he was the subject of a lengthy campaign from Newcastle supporters to have him removed from his position as the club's manager, Pardew insists he has no hard feelings against the club as he gave them his backing to beat the drop.
"Newcastle is close to my heart," he said, before confirming he will send messages of support to Newcastle manager John Carver and senior players ahead of their final game on Sunday.
"My players who I worked with for four or five years are still there, as are the staff as well and more importantly the fans. That group of fans need to be in the Premier League.
"They need to get this season out of the way and use this scare as a kick start for their next year of going forward. They are one of the best clubs in the world and they just need to get over the line this time. I hope John and the team can do that."
Pardew is convinced Newcastle have what it takes to get the result they need against West Ham, as he urged the supporters that were so vocal in their criticism of him during his time at the club to unite behind the team when they need them most.
"Their destiny is in their own hands," he added. "Win that game against West Ham and the Hull result is irrelevant. I'm sure the stadium will be in tip-top shape in terms of positivity to get the team over the line.
"Although there has been a lot of disappointment and moaning about the situation, they know they have to get behind the team and when the do that, it's a very difficult place to go.
"Newcastle were ninth when I left, with 26 points from 19 games. They had a transfer window coming up as well, so they were in a good position, but they didn't capitalise on that. I can't give you a reason for that."