Last season's Championship winners ended their first season back in the Premier League by throwing away a three-goal lead at St James' Park in a 3-3 draw with West Brom. Pardew, who succeeded Chris Hughton in December, was denied the services of captain Kevin Nolan through injury for the draw, while Hatem Ben Arfa, Steve Harper and Mike Williamson were among those also absent. Midfielder Cheik Tiote was not risked for fear of a 15th booking of the season and a resulting suspension, and Newcastle's manager believes that is a perfect demonstration of the need to create a squad to cope with such problems. Pardew, who hopes to sign a mystery midfielder next week, told Sky Sports when asked about transfer business: "We have started that process. "But we had so many first-team players missing today and we need to make sure they are fit and healthy." He continued with regards to squad rotation: "These big players are important and we want to add to that. We want to take out three or four players and bring in four who are of the same quality." When leading 3-0, Newcastle were set to finish ninth in the table and so an ultimate position of 12th represents somewhat of a disappointment for Pardew. But, having been without the injured Ben Arfa for all of his time at the club and having seen Andy Carroll sold to Liverpool in January, he was pleased with the overall campaign. Asked if he would rate Newcastle's season as seven out of 10, Pardew responded: "I would give it more than that in terms of losing Andy Carroll and Ben Arfa. "I think we are eight-and-a-half, so I think you are a bit harsh."
