ALAN Pardew last night became the first ever Newcastle United boss to be named Premier League Manager of the Season.

Pardew has been rewarded for a remarkable nine months that see Newcastle going into their final game of the campaign at Everton tomorrow still contending for a Champions League place.

The accolade caps an incredible turnaround for the Magpies manager, who was a far from popular appointment when he replaced Chris Hughton in December 2010.

However, having successfully stabilised in the second half of last season, Pardew has overseen a period of incredible progress this term.

Newcastle can finish no lower than fifth tomorrow and are guaranteed a Europa League place at worst, something that did not seem likely at the start of the campaign.

They have impressed supporters and neutrals alike with a brand of attractive, attacking football, and Pardew has beaten the likes of Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson to win the country's leading managerial honour.

“It's fantastic to get an award like this, but it's really for the whole of the staff and everyone associated with the football club,” said the Newcastle boss. “None of what's happened this season would have happened without them.

“I'm lucky to work with people like John Carver, Steve Stone and Andy Woodman, and I'm also lucky to work with a fantastic group of players. They deserve the accolades for everything they've done this season.”

Newcastle go into tomorrow's game at Goodison Park one point behind fourth-placed Tottenham and two points adrift of third-placed Arsenal.

They must win on Merseyside to have any chance of finishing in the top four, and Pardew is hoping to go out on a high.

“We have the biggest game of the season in front of us and we're looking forward to it immensely,” he said. “The Champions League is the pinnacle of the game and to be competing for it in the final game is fantastic.

“It would be a major achievement by everyone at this football club if we were to get there, but to finish fifth is also a marvellous achievement. We've had a great season and we're in for another exciting afternoon.”