A third of the season over and Newcastle United are nestled comfortably in the top half of the table. After a resurgence and appearance in the Europa League under Pardew two years ago, the Toon find themselves once again in fifth position.
A lot of credit must go to the management team who receive yoyo criticism from the British press who turn on "Cockney Mafia" Pardew as soon as his team lose two in a row. Yet Four victories, including solid performances against Chelsea and Man City have shown the magpies to be a resolute contender for a European place.
A number of factors including, lack of injuries, allows Newcastle fans too finally see their team at full strength and in full flight.
Yet true credit must go to Alan Pardew for leaving top class performers, Papiss Cissee, Ben Arfa and Anita on the bench in favour of Ameobi and Williamson. The balance provided by these veteran Premier League journeymen has proven that flair is not always what wins you games. Possession and control of play have replaced flair and spontaneity and yielded 12 points from the past 4 games.
The clinical second half showings of November show a strength of leadership throughout the team who have the self belief to go and finish off an opponent rather than settle for a draw or a nervy finish. Pardew and Remy are shoe-ins to win Manager and Player of the Month gongs for November.
Six games await the Magpies in December, including mouth watering ties away to Man Utd and home to Arsenal. If Sissoko and company can avoid defeat in both games and take 7 points from their triple "S" games of Stoke, Southampton and Swansea and polish off a Tony Pulis led Crystal Palace then the Toon Army may have more solid foundations to base their hopes of further European Nights.
In an ironic twist it is Nigeria star and Newcastle veteran, Shola Ameobi who has been leading Newcastle's charge with strong, confident performances.
Decemeber will not be easy but the key to success for Newcastle is getting through the month picking up as many points as possible without losing any players to injury and not letting the heads drop if they hit a bump on the road.