Pardew overcomes his moments of hesitation

Dec 10 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

ALAN Pardew has admitted he harboured reservations about taking on the challenge of replacing Chris Hughton as Newcastle United manager even as he drove up to the North East.

Pardew is well aware of the animosity towards him as he steps into Hughton’s shoes, and is still unsure about what sort of reception he will receive when he meets his players for the first time this morning.

But the former Charlton and West Ham boss could not turn down the chance to manage a club he feels are one of the top five in the country and has vowed to change public perceptions of himself through results and performances.

With protests planned to show supporter anger at owner Mike Ashley’s decision to sack Hughton and replace him with Pardew at tomorrow’s game against Liverpool, few managers have stepped into a more hostile atmosphere when taking on a new job.

“I would be lying if I said I did not have some hesitation when I was travelling up,” said Pardew, who has been out of work since he was surprisingly sacked as manager of Southampton in August.

“When I drove up on Tuesday contemplating what was going to happen if I came here, that was quite daunting. I don’t think I can win the PR battle. My battle is on the pitch, we have to win games. If I can do that, the PR will take care of itself.

“I’ve had a lot of texts from other managers saying I must be mad coming here because of the tough agenda and the history of the ownership with managers, but it’s a huge club.

“It’s one of the top five clubs in the country. I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I had not taken this challenge come. I would be foolish to say it was not a concern, the number of managers they have had under Mike Ashley.

“They have had five managers in the short time they have been here, but I genuinely believe I can do the job.

“Hopefully I can get a good situation going here and they will stand beside me.”