Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was crowned the English Premier League's Manager of the Season after a superb season which has seen the unfancied Magpies challenge for a top-four finish. Newcastle were expected to struggle this season following the close season departure of Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton, which came after the sale of striker Andy Carroll in January last year. However Pardew, controversially appointed to replace the sacked Chris Hughton in December 2010, has overseen a renaissance in Newcastle's fortunes, and they remain in the hunt for a UEFA Champions League place heading into Sunday's final round of fixtures.