Alan Pardew expecting "different year"

Alan Pardew believes that his Newcastle United side will be faced with "different" challenges next season.

The Magpies defied the odds and the critics last season to finish fifth in the Premier League, a success which has earned the club a slot in the Europa League.

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Pardew has called upon certain members of his squad to step up and help those who stole the headlines last time out.

"This is going to be a different year, you have to remember that," he told the Evening Chronicle. "Different players will come in and out of form - it won't just be about those who done well last year.

"I am expecting Gabby Obertan and Sylvain Marveaux to be back and raring to go. They are two players that can have big seasons for us next year.

"There is Sammy Ameobi and Shane Ferguson as well. It is a year further down the line for them and they will get their chances to do well for us. It is a chance to see how they develop."

The boss also admitted recently that he is also actively looking to improve his squad.