LONDON -- Alan Pardew has spoken for the first time about his reasons for leaving Newcastle and moved to dispel some of the rumours that have surrounded his appointment at Crystal Palace.
As Pardew met the media for the first time as Palace boss at Selhurst Park, much of the debate focused on his four-year stint with the Magpies.
Reports have suggested that he was told by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley that he may soon be following him out of the door at St James' Park, while there was also speculation that he had pushed for a move back to his former club, having come under fire from large sections of the Magpies faithful.
Pardew, however, said his path back to the side he represented during his playing days was not laced with hidden agendas, while claiming he made the decision to leave Newcastle for personal and professional reasons.
"It was my decision to come here," he told a news conference. "[Crystal Palace co-chairman] Steve Parish met the clause in my contract and I just felt it was the right decision for me. It was as simple as that. I hope it is the right decision for Crystal Palace as well and we will have to wait and see if that's the case.
"Palace wanted me as their manager, they met the clause in my contract. I had a choice whether to stay or go. Personally and professionally, I felt it was a good move for me. I think it might be good for Newcastle as well.
"Newcastle is a big club. It is a club that is run on fairly tight financial margins. Our net spend was one of the lowest and we have had to work hard on transfers.
"It was hard for the fans to understand that we needed to build slowly, which we did in the four years that I was there. But I understand why the football community had a concern why that happened.
"It's difficult for a manager there, four years under that kind of monetary situation. The history, they are trying to push [for success], it's difficult.
"I like to think I have left the club in a good state, with a fine base of young players and I am going to miss the fantastic professionals and the staff there. The players have been phenomenal for me at that club. We have pulled above our weight at times.
"You cannot help but grow as a manager at Newcastle. My resilience and character has grown due to the nature of the club."
Pardew also paid tribute to the Newcastle supporters as he insisted the public displays of animosity towards his continued stay at the club were not replicated away from the stadium and on the streets of the city.
"Some of the talk has been off the mark," he said when asked about the abuse he received after a slow start to this season. "When you lose games, there is going to be criticism from the stands, but never once did I sense that outside of the ground. I had tremendous support in my time there and I want to thank the Geordies for their help."
Pardew went on to insist he had not been given a hint by Newcastle owner Ashley that his time at the club may soon come to an end, as he continues to make efforts to secure a larger stake in Rangers.
"Mike never suggested he might sell the club," he added. "That was never part of the decision for me and I have not heard that might be the case."