Pardew Thanks Fergie For Kansas Tip

Manager Alan Pardew is eagerly looking forward to the first game of Newcastle United's Stateside tour against Sporting Kansas City, after receiving a reccommendation from the best in the business.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, which kicks off in the early hours of Thursday morning for fans still in Britain, Pardew explained how a chat with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson persuaded Club officials to arrange a friendly with Kansas.

Newcastle's supremo has been delighted with what he has experienced so far, and is preparing for a tough encounter against a team who are on an impressive unbeaten run.

"We've had a great couple of days in Kansas and the training has gone really well. It's red hot out here but the lads have been looking after themselves, keeping hydrated, and we're ready for our first game," Pardew told nufc.co.uk.

"All the lads and the coaching staff are delighted to be here, we've been treated really well and everyone here has made us feel very welcome. It's an ideal environment for a pre-season camp and it should prove very beneficial to us all.

"It was actually Sir Alex Ferguson who recommended Kansas to us in terms of being good opposition to play and a club with first class training facilities. He was spot-on because the training pitches are immaculate and that's crucially important to our preparation. I'm grateful to Sir Alex for his recommendation.

"I've been speaking to the Kansas staff and their manager. They're really looking forward to playing us which should make for a great game, and they're on a great run of form too - undefeated in their last eleven games in the MLS.

"Most of the lads will be involved on Wednesday night; it's a game where I'll be using the full squad where I can as the heat will obviously dictate that.  Not having the three lads here (Joey Barton, Yohan Cabaye and Nile Ranger) is a bit disappointing, especially Yohan with him just joining a few weeks ago. But it's something we've overcome and we're cracking on with things."

Assistant manager John Carver, first team coach Steve Stone, goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman and strength and conditioning coach Simon Tweddle all took time out of their busy schedules to provide a coaching clinic for local coaches in Kansas, and Pardew was full of praise for the quartet.

"I must also say a word about the Coaching Clinic John and my other staff conducted last night," he added. "It was a fantastic night and one that was a great experience not only for our staff but for all the coaches and children from Kansas who attended."

Don't forget you will be able to view extended highlights of the game, only on nufctv.