Jamie Cureton has backed his former boss Alan Pardew as a candidate for the Norwich City vacancy – but admits it would mean a change of approach for the club's owners.

Cureton played under Pardew during a successful spell at Reading from 2000-2003.

And while the veteran hitman admits the pair had their fair share of run-ins, he has 'nothing but good things to say about him'.

As soon as Pardew's name was mentioned as a possible successor to the axed Alex Neil, the fan ranks were split.

'He has a bit about him, which is probably why people are split on him, but I don't see that as a bad thing,' said Cureton in an interview for Mustard TV's Pink Un show.

'He has a bit of arrogance and confidence which I think all good sports people need. I have nothing but good things to say about him. I think you could put up any manager and people would be split. I don't think there is ever 100pc like for one person, but I would see him as a decent option.

'If they are considering him then I would see him as a different choice.'

And it's the 'different' which may leave Pardew out in the cold as far as City are concerned.

'Maybe for Norwich it might be nice to have a change and have someone who is a bit more outspoken and has a bit more about them,' added the 41-year-old, who had two spells at Carrow Road as a player. 'Sometimes you can be a bit too safe at times. I don't think his record is too bad – he has got two teams to FA Cup finals and has promotions under his belt from the Championship to the Premier League and he has done well in the Premier League, apart from maybe the last year at Crystal Palace.

'He has got teams top-half finishes so he has done very well. But again, it is down to personal choice and what the board want and what type of manager and personality they want and that is what it comes down to.

'I had three very good years under him... I had my run-ins with him, like I have had with most managers, but I found him good.

'He was quite ahead of his time, very tactically aware, worked hard on the training ground and wasn't afraid to change formations.'

To watch the full interview on the Pink Un Norwich City Show, go to youtube.com/norfolknow.