Alan Pardew "focused" on picking up first Newcastle United win

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that his side must "start gathering points quickly" if they are to avoid relegation once more.

The Magpies have made a poor start to the Premier League season, failing to win any of their first six games to find themselves down in lowly 19th place.

Pardew has come under increased pressure in recent weeks in particular, although he insists that he is fully focused on the task in hand.

"There's not much to say we need to get a win, no matter what I say to some reasonable people it means nothing, we need to win," the 53-year-old told reporters. "I spoke to the chief executive and we discussed ways of trying to help the team and getting the team playing to its capacity.

The Toon boss also confirmed that he has not spoken to owner Mike Ashley this week, adding: "No, no. We focused very much this week on the mental side of the game, responses on the pitch and how you respond to the media, because you won't leave us alone at the moment.

"We haven't got the experience of the side that got relegated, before my time, and it's important we start gathering points quickly to make sure we are fighting at the right end of the table."

Newcastle were relegated from the top flight in 2009, but bounced straight back with automatic promotion the following season.