Newcastle's Alan Pardew & Tim Krul named Premier League Manager and Player of the Month for November

 

Newcastle have received an early Christmas present after Alan Pardew and Tim Krul won the monthly awards.

After a brilliant November - in which they won all four league matches - they are now sitting seventh in the Barclays Premier League - just three points off the Champions League places.

Krul impressed during their rise up the table - including an outstanding performance in the 1-0 win at Tottenham.

The Dutch goalkeeper made a staggering 14 saves at White Hart Lane to keep out Spurs' frustrated forwards. He also condeded just two goals in their four matches.

Pardew can take great credit for the way he has guided his team up the table following a difficult start to the season.

Under pressure after the return of Joe Kinnear as director of football, many doubted whether Pardew would still be in a job.

But he has inspired a remarkable turnaround at St James' Park as they head into the busy festive period eyeing European football.