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Pardew 'relieved' not to lose job over headbutt

Pardew sparked controversy during his side's 4-1 victory at Hull on March 1 when he clashed with Meyler on the touchline.

The 52-year-old has since been handed a three-match stadium ban and four-game touchline suspension by the Football Association (FA), with the former starting against Fulham on Saturday.

Newcastle formally warned Pardew and fined him £100,000 in the immediate aftermath of the incident, but opted not to dismiss the former West Ham boss.

"It was a relief when I was told I would not lose my job," Pardew said.

"My mistake was in front of millions of people and I had to pay a price.

"(Club owner) Mike Ashley acted swiftly and we move forward. Since the incident, the backing I have had from the club has helped me."

"Our game plan is in place. John Carver knows it inside-out and I trust him 100% to deliver it," Pardew added.

"Coloccini will come back into the team and he is important," Pardew explained. "His captaincy needs to step up a level over the next three games."