Intro:

Newcastle United assistant manager John Carver on Friday (31 December) talked about the possible departure of manager Alan Pardew and the New Year's Day English Premier League game at home to Burnley.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) John Carver, Newcastle United assistant manager:

(talking about the possible departure of manager Alan Pardew)

"I saw the speculation two days ago about, obviously Alan (pardew) talking (about) going to Crystal Palace. But I didn't know anything. I've got to be honest with you, I didn't know anything. I was just listening to the media speculation about it. Until Monday night I got a call from Alan. We had a conversation. I have to say that is going to remain private because I said it would. And then a couple of hours later (managing director) Lee Charnley rang me and said we've agreed to let Alan go to Palace and have talks. Will you (and) Steve Stone look after the training and the game against Burnley and possibly the game against Leicester in the FA Cup. And that was the end of the conversation. I came into training then next day. Told the guys (players) what was going on and just got on with the business."

SOUNDBITE: (English) John Carver, Newcastle United assistant manager:

(talking about Alan Pardew's qualities)

"I know the job he's done here. And let's not forget some of the people I have actually worked with. You got back to Kevin Keegan, Ruud Gullit, Kenny Dalglish, Sir Bobby Robson - all top managers. Now, he's up there with them, and I've said this on a number of occasions - fantastic coach, great organiser, great man manager, left people to get on with their jobs, delegated responsibility which is very important and I've got the utmost respect for him."

SOUNDBITE: (English) John Carver, Newcastle United assistant manager:

(talking about the Burnley game)

"I mean this is a side who are sitting down at the bottom of the table, but they don't look like a side at the bottom of the table. They're very well organised, difficult to break down, they've got lots of energy in the team. The manager's done a fantastic job. A good friend of Steve Stone as it happens and (they) speak on a regular basis. I see what he's done to the team. It's going to be a difficult game, without a show of a doubt."