If I recall correctly Robson said something not too dissimilar when discussing Bellamy and/or Robert.
Every player quoted (the latest being Best, after saying he can be a nightmare when he doesn't get to play) has had good words to say about Pardew, including those that have left like Barton. That he talks to players individually, puts an arm round when needed, and is an very good man manager to the first team and the kids breaking through.
Lets just leave the 'fucking retarded' comments out without context or evidence of harm, and while in fact the team and individual players are clearly fighting for him, the club, and each other on the pitch.
I didn't realy expect that comment to be taken too seriously like.
I'm not questioning his respect amongst the dressing room, and I don't know of the context of which these things have been said, but "Santon would not get in the side at the minute" and "I'm sure (Ben Arfa) is going to fall out with me and my staff and my players and we will with him" are not great soundbites. I doubt they will have any effect on the players like.