THERE may be satisfaction among the fans, but it is merely speculation to suggest Newcastle United will be better off once Alan Pardew completes his managerial transfer to Crystal Palace.

In avoiding the questions about his future following Sunday’s victory over Everton at St James’ Park, the 53-year-old clearly knew what was coming – even if the rest of his camp never did.

Pardew should be appointed as Crystal Palace’s latest boss sooner rather than later provided Mike Ashley does not suddenly increase the ‘compensation fee’ back up to the original £5m asking price.

His departure will be greeted with relief from Byker to Benton among supporters.

His exit had to arrive some time; it has felt like it has been around the corner for months. But will it mean the club is better off without him? It certainly can’t be guaranteed.

Mike Ashley has his plan and financial model. In a business sense it has worked. Pardew adhered to it more often than not and, overall, has done a decent enough job during his four years in charge.

While his successor might be given a few pounds to spend in January – something Pardew felt was not going to be afforded to him – it is safe to assume Newcastle’s next boss will not be given a bulging transfer fund to drive for a Champions League spot.

There will be no shortage of managers interested in the job. From the experienced Steve Bruce and Tony Pulis to the young and the foreign names being linked ... taking charge of Newcastle in front of a 52,000 crowd every other week at St James’ Park remains an attractive place of work.

But Pardew, whose overall record in 2014 has not been a great one, knew how to work to the constraints of the Ashley regime. Will his replacement be able to follow suit?

The fact he has even considered the Crystal Palace job when they are battling to avoid the drop suggests he is fed up with life at a club where he has previously seemed happy enough working to the guidelines from the boardroom. Not to mention the disdain there is for him from the stands.

How will the next man adapt to the role? That still has to be a big worry.