Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has challenged his side to have a good first 10 games in the Premier League upcoming season.

The Magpies made a fine start to their campaign during 2011-12, which saw them finish above the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool in fifth place. However, last season they began slower and only managed a 16th-placed finish.

Pardew believes that the opening 10 matches are the most important stage of the campaign and is hoping for a better start than last season.

"The first 10 games for any manager in the Premier League is where it lies, really," he told reporters.

"Last year, I thought we were okay after 10 games; the year before, we excelled, so anywhere in between that, I will be absolutely delighted."

Newcastle's first match of the season comes away to Manchester City before back-to-back home games against West Ham United and Fulham.