'Sad' Alan Pardew reacts to Newcastle's relegation

Pardew, now manager of FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace, spent four years at St James's Park and left the club a year and a half ago with the team in a mid-table position.

But Newcastle were this week relegated to the Championship.

And Pardew said: "I'm sad for Newcastle. They won't enjoy the Championship but they can build some foundations, which they need to do."

Rafa Benitez, appointed as United manager in March, could yet take charge of the club in English football's second tier, despite having a clause in his contract allowing him to leave.

Benitez is demanding control of incoming and outgoing transfers, something Pardew did not have during his time on Tyneside.

Pardew added: "The manager should be given full control of transfers. I love that football club."