Alan Pardew might not have been the most popular man on Tyneside, but the former Newcastle United manager is looking forward to an emotional reunion with the Toon Army.
The Crystal Palace chief secured his fifth win in six games in charge of his new club with a 1-0 win at Leicester City on Saturday.
It means the Eagles go in to Wednesday's clash with Newcastle on the crest of a wave with their manager looking for another three points in the battle against the Premier League drop.
And he is not expecting a frosty reception from the travelling support at Selhurt Park.
"Of course I'm looking forward to the game. They've still got all my staff that I took there, my players and they are close to my heart.
"It will be strange after four years of breathing and living every part of theat football club and that city - good and bad - it is going to be emotional.
"I'm not expecting any reaction from the fans. We had some great times together. It was not so great in the last year, but on the whole my experience there was great and I felt I did a good job.
"I feel I can walk out there with my head held high and I look forward to the game."
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