LEE CHARNLEY concedes the Newcastle United hierarchy were caught unawares by Alan Pardew's decision to move to Crystal Palace.

Pardew opted to swap St James' Park for Selhurst Park at the end of last month, having spent most of the first half of the season battling against sustained supporters' protests.

His departure has left Newcastle with a hole at the top of their coaching structure, and almost three weeks on from his exit, the club continue to search for his long-term successor.

Charnley claims to be happy with the progress of the search for a new head coach, but concedes that Pardew's exit caught the Magpies board somewhat on the hop.

He said: "The approach for Alan from Crystal Palace came as a surprise to us. We didn’t expect it. People have asked us whether – because of the way the second part of last season went and the way we started this season – we had a contingency plan in the background. We didn’t.

"I didn’t have a number of candidates, options in the background, which some clubs do have when a manager has a difficult period. There was no deal already in place for someone we could bring in. His leaving at this time was unexpected.

"People may well say that the position we now find ourselves in isn’t ideal and I accept that to a point, but as I have stated Alan’s departure came as a surprise.

"I must stress and repeat that we parted with Alan on very good terms and I would re-iterate the quote I issued at the time of his departure in that we moved on significantly as a club during his four years, on and off the field, and Alan played a big part in that and I thank him."