Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has insisted that he left former club Newcastle United with his "head held high".
The 53-year-old, who spent four years in charge of the Magpies before joining Palace in December, will face his old side on Wednesday evening at Selhurst Park.
Pardew's reign on Tyneside was a turbulent one, with some fans calling for him to resign earlier this season, but he insists that he is not concerned about the reception that he will receive.
"I'm not expecting or hoping for any reaction. We had some great times together. It was not so great the last year, but on the whole my experience there was great," Pardew told BT Sport.
"I thought I did a good job and walked out with my head held high, and so I'm looking forward to the game. I've still got all my staff there and my players, and they're close to my heart.
"It will be strange because after four years after living every part of that football club and that city, good and bad, it's emotional. It will be a slightly different game for me."
Pardew's former assistant John Carver is now in charge of Newcastle.
Steven Toplis
