Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew insists the club has the 'clout' to reach the 'next level' after a successful first 20 months of the club's new ownership.
And the 62-year-old has also admitted he remains in touch with the Magpies' unpopular former owner Mike Ashley.
Pardew spent an eventful four years in charge of Newcastle, which saw him guide the club to a fifth-placed finish, a Europa league quarter-final, but also negotiating a relegation battle.