ALAN Pardew says there is no way he could have persuaded Danny Guthrie to stay at Newcastle – even though he was desperate to keep the midfielder on Tyneside.
Guthrie could make his return to St James’ Park today, six months after leaving United on a free transfer in the summer in search of more first-team football.
It is a move which has not worked out for Guthrie so far, with the former Liverpool man unable to nail down a starting role and having incurred the wrath of Brian McDermott for refusing to sit on the bench.
Ironically, United could have done with Guthrie too.
He was excellent when he stepped in for Cheick Tiote last season and, given the injuries and suspensions which have ravaged United, he would likely have made more first team starts than he has at the Madejski.
Pardew, however, says Guthrie would not have agreed to stay to be a squad player – something t he admires in the former England under-21 international.
The United boss said: “He wouldn't have been in the same mental state if he'd stayed.
“He'd done his time as a third-choice player and I think the problems Brian has had at Reading with Danny ares very much about Danny wanting to play in the first team.
“Fair play to Danny because there are a lot of players who actually quite like being in the squad, coming in and out of the team.
“It's quite a nice lifestyle. Less pressure. You do not have to deliver every week, you collect a nice wage.
“Danny didn't want that. He wanted to play and I liked that, I admired that.”
Pardew anticipates a fired- up Guthrie today if he is part of the Reading XI.
He added: “I like Danny. I thought he did well for us last season.
“Cheick came out the team and he did really well. I think he will be looking to prove a point when he comes back.
“Danny always felt he should play. He felt he should play in front of Cheick and Yohan Cabaye.
“I expect him to be like that. I had no problem with that but, of course, at that time I couldn't offer him that.
“Therefore he moved on. That was the only reason he moved on.”
