Alan Pardew: 'We have to start well this season'

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes that his side need to rack up results at the start of the new Premier League season in order to have a chance of challenging.

The Magpies, who clinched their first trophy of the season after defeating Braga 2-1 for the Torneo Guadiana at the weekend, came close to qualifying for the Champions League last season but could only finish fifth.

"It's nice to have a trophy in the dressing room," Pardew told the Shields Gazette.

"Hopefully, we'll have another one at the end of the year. That would be nice. I feel we're ready to start the season. We know we have to hit the ground running.

"It's been the best possible start to win a trophy – get an honourable draw against Olympiakos and then beat Braga. It's a good start for us."

Meanwhile, the North-East side begin their Premier League campaign at home to Tottenham Hotspur on August 18.