Alan Pardew, a Londoner who is now chorused in song by the Toon Army

What a difference a year makes. Pardew, a Londoner who is now chorused in song by the Toon Army, finds himself a strong candidate to become England’s next boss. With the emphasis on finding an Englishman steeped in Premier League tradition to take the reins from Fabio Capello following Euro 2012, the 50-year-old Newcastle boss is well and truly in the mix alongside bookies’ favourite Harry Redknapp and Roy Hodgson. Currently 10-1, Pardew is definitely worth a punt, especially when you analyse his exceptional work under frugal owner Mike Ashley at St James’ Park. And when you add the Gareth Southgate factor, it’s clear that the one-time glazier is looking a good fit to step into Capello’s shoes when the decision is eventually made.

Southgate, an increasingly influential figure in England circles as the FA’s head of elite development, is a confessed Pardew admirer when it comes down to managerial skills. The pair, along with present Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman, became good friends during their playing days at Crystal Palace, often sharing a car to training sessions. It was during this period that Southgate witnessed at close quarters Pardew’s professionalismand obsessive attention to detail. They are qualities which have served him well during his management career with Reading, West Ham, Charlton, Southampton and now Newcastle.

Southgate admits: “I know how meticulous Alan is in terms of preparation. “When he has not been in a job, he has been travelling and has put his time in studying different methods of training. It’s been a great education for him.” Pardew is 14 years younger than both Redknapp and Roy Hodgson, with his career in the ascendancy. Redknapp’s high-profile tax case begins later this month, while Hodgson blotted his copybook in some people’s eyes by failing at high-profile Liverpool. Not only did Pardew, whose side entertain Mark Hughes’ QPR this afternoon, lead

the Geordies to a respectable 12th place last season – it would have been ninth if they hadn’t lost a 3-0 lead against West Brom on the final day – but they have pushed on to become the surprise package of the Premier League this time around. The club’s success against considerable odds has all been accomplished despite losing established stars like Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Jose Enrique. With theconsiderable input of chief scout Graham Carr, cheaper and hungrier replacements like Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba (below left) have all made their mark. It’s Pardew (right) who has supplied the glue to keep things together – the comradeship, diligence and flashes of inspiration, which were never more obvious than in the 3-0 victory over Manchester United on January 4.

Central defender Steven Taylor, who had been a cornerstone of the Newcastle revival until an Achilles injury wrecked his season, said: “He’s a perfectionist. He’s meticulous. “He likes his computer stuff, his projectors and his heartrate monitors.”It's why Pardew is a realistic contender to become England's next boss, especially with people in the game believing he has matured to become a more rounded person. His critics believed that as boss at Upton Park he rose above his station at times, although those close to him, like Southgate, believed that was more confidence than arrogance.