Pardew was appointed as Chris Hughton's successor at St James' Park almost a year ago, three months after he was sacked by Southampton despite guiding the Saints to their first piece of silverware since 1976.

Pardew's appointment came as a surprise to most, with the majority of Newcastle supporters unconvinced by the former West Ham United boss.

One year on though, the Magpies sit third in the Premier League table having enjoyed an unbeaten start to the new campaign, form which has brought a feel-good factor back to Tyneside.

In truth, that is largely down to Pardew, who has galvanised a squad that was left reeling by the summer departures of key dressing room figures Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Jose Enrique, as well as masterminding some impressive results since the new campaign began.

Le Tissier, who spent his entire playing career Southampton, insists he is not surprised at how well Pardew has done since taking over the Newcastle hot-seat.

He said: "I thought he was doing a good job at Southampton and I was very surprised when he was sacked.

"He hasn't really surprised me, he has a lot of experience and he's managed teams in the Premier League before and done well.

"I think a lot of people looked at the Newcastle squad and saw the players that left and the players that came in and thought they would struggle, myself included, but I didn't know a great deal about Tiote and Cabaye in midfield and they've formed a brilliant partnership and that's the heartbeat of the team.

"Best and Ba have chipped in with goals and they've been solid at the back, but no I'm not surprised at how well Alan's done since he was appointed."

Newcastle hope to extend their unbeaten run to twelve matches on Saturday, but they face their biggest task to date this season when they travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The Magpies' defensive record has been a big reason behind their current league position, with Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor, in particular, impressing.

Greenwich-born centre-back Taylor has been tipped by many to win a senior international call-up from England boss Fabio Capello and Le Tissier believes it is only a matter of time before the 25-year-old receives his call.

He said: "Steven Taylor is very good. I think there's probably a few players ahead of him at the moment but certainly if he carries on the way he's been playing this season he won't be too far off the England squad."