Henry Winter honours bet with Newcastle fans over Alan Pardew and swims Tyne for Sir Bobby Robson Foundation When Newcastle offered Pardew a five-year contract back in 2010, Winter suggested that he would have little hope in seeing out the terms of the deal, with the Geordie club's recent record in sticking by managers less than impressive. Last week Newcastle owner Mike Ashley rewarded Pardew, who has taken the club back in to Europe with an exciting brand of football, with an even longer contract, eight years in total. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph today, Winter said: "I dared to suggest that Newcastle's owner, Mike Ashley, would not back Alan Pardew long-term and an eight-year deal rather shows that he does. So wetsuit on and in we go. I am reassured that it is not the seals' mating season at the moment but apparently the local otters can get a bit friendly. Easy, Tarka. As well as providing Newcastle's fans with some unusual pre-match entertainment - Pardew's men host Manchester United at 4pm this afternoon - Henry's willingness to take his medicine should also raise money to help battle cancer, through the excellent work of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. All donations will be gratefully received at www.justgiving.com/TyneSwim