NEWCASTLE UNITED boss Alan Pardew thinks he is winning the battle with the fans to be respected on Tyneside, ten months after supporters were left unconvinced by his appointment.

If the Magpies can extend their unbeaten start to 11 matches by overcoming Wigan Athletic tomorrow, they will have tightened their grip on fourth place in the Premier League.

It is a position they find themselves in eight games in to the league campaign, despite the summer of uncertainty in which a series of problems looked like it would distract preparations.

However, Pardew has galvanised a group of players rocked by the departures of key figures like Kevin Nolan, Jose Enrique and Joey Barton. He has brought results better than many Newcastle fans had imagined.

There have been chants of appreciation directed his way and they have provided a further example of the job he has done since taking over from Chris Hughton last December.

It was not always like that, though. Pardew accepts he would not have been the city's choice to take over during last season, but has been warmed by the reaction he is now receiving from the club's fanatical followers.

"I used to get a lot of ‘well good luck anyways' (adopting a Geordie accent). I'm not sure it was a good luck or not," said Pardew. "I think it's probably just the way they say it up here.

"But I didn't know if they meant it, I don't get those sort of remarks anymore. The inference was ‘we don't really want you as manager but we still want the team to do well'.

"Maybe there was a little bit of that. The majority of people I bump into now are pleased with the way things are going and how the team plays. That is music to any manager's ears."

Even Pardew's staunchest critics on Tyneside would have to conclude the work he has done so far has been effective.

Not only has he ensured Newcastle's summer signings have slotted seamlessly in, he has also shown he has the tactical acumen to cause even the better Premier League teams problems.

Last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham helped keep a three point gap over their North London opponents, while fifth-placed Liverpool sit two points shy of them despite spending in excess of £100m in the summer.

Even dating back to last season, though, Pardew stuck to his task despite the surprise surrounding his appointment. Now, on the back of just eight defeats from his first 33 games in charge, he is even more satisfied with his decision to sign his five-and-a-half year deal on his arrival.

He said: "I think my relationship with the fans has changed. Newcastle fans may feel some pride in this team and they are feeling that we are all in this together.

"There is a good feeling around the place with everyone. That happens at every club when you are winning games. I live in the area now and I am settled in the area. We are now just looking forward to the next batch of matches."

After Wigan's visit to St James' Park, Newcastle travel to Stoke after next Wednesday's Carling Cup tie at Blackburn. Then, once Everton have travelled to the North-East, Newcastle face three tough matches against Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Throughout that run Pardew is hoping Danny Simpson stays fit, having become a mainstay of the Newcastle defence.

And, despite the interest shown in him from Aston Villa on August deadline day, Pardew hopes Simpson shows between now and the end of the season that he deserves a new deal.

The 24-year-old's future has been brought in to question again this week when he told a magistrates - when he appeared in court to try to avoid a six months ban from driving for speeding - he had worries over his future.

Simpson, who has had concerns over his baby daughter than was born prematurely, said: "I have 18 months on my contract and I don't think it will go past that."

But, speaking yesterday, Pardew said: "I think, basically, he had some bad advice. Unfortunately for Danny at the moment, he's had problems with his child and it's been a very difficult situation.

"It's been a really big battle for the baby, him and his wife. It looks like he is coming out of that now. He feels a little bit let down (because of his comments) in himself. But it's nice his home life is back on an even keel.

"He has been a great player for us and he will continue to be going forward. He wants to earn a new contract and if he keeps playing like he is, there is a good chance he will get one."