Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has joined forces with QPR counterpart Harry Redknapp to criticise the role of some football agents.

Redknapp this week described the scramble among players' representatives as ''gang warfare'' and Pardew, who managed to make six signings during the winter transfer window, believes there should be greater regulation.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of this afternoon's Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea, Pardew said: ''Agents have a habit of moving the goalposts when you feel a deal is close, so it is a difficult business to be a part of.

''I echo the view of QPR boss Harry Redknapp earlier in the week that some of the things going on are not right, and maybe the behaviour of agents is something the game's authorities need to look at.''

Newcastle were among the most active of Premier League clubs last month as they landed Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Yoan Gouffran, Massadio Haidara, Moussa Sissoko and Kevin Mbabu, and their spending spree paid immediate dividends on Tuesday evening when four of the new boys played a part in a vital 2-1 victory at Aston Villa.

Managing director Derek Llambias is confident the club has now addressed a lack of depth in the squad and is hopeful they can drag themselves out of relegation trouble.

He said: ''While injuries of the magnitude that we've experienced cannot be predicted, with the January signings and the return of a number of key players, we feel we have redressed the balance and that we are now well equipped to push on and pick up the points which will help us to climb the table.

''We know that's easier said than done, particularly in a league as competitive as the Premier League, but we've done as much as we possibly can to achieve this.''