Pardew is probably a better manager than Hughton tbh. I was annoyed that Hughton was given the boot, and god knows where we would be now if he hadn't (better than 6th?), but it was a ruthless decision that in hindsight was probably best for the club going forward.
If anything i'm sort of glad it allowed Chris to leave on top terms with the supporters, he's a really nice guy and I wish him the best at Birmingham.