Crewe to host new Hammers manager

Last updated : 11 September 2003 By Site Staff
From Reading hero to Reading hate figure.
After Glenn Roeder was sacked from the Hammers West Ham have had their eye on Reading's manager Alan Pardew. Pardew has turned Reading from an average Division Two side to a possible Division One winning side since taking over in 1999. He's also got the 2nd best winning % record in the country, only out done by Alex Ferguson.

Last week West Ham made a official approach to Reading but chairman John Madjeski told them where to go. After another approach was turned down this week Alan Pardew made his feelings known and told the press he wanted to talk to West Ham.

The young manager offered his resignation to John Madjeski on Wednesday but Reading rejected it, say simply:

"The manager Alan Pardew has tendered his resignation, which the Reading board has not accepted.

"The team will now be managed by Kevin Dillon assisted by the current management team of Brian McDermott, Nick Hammond and Niall Clark, for the game at West Ham on Saturday."

Reading can't do much apart from put Pardew on 'gardening' leave and replace him with a caretaker manager. That is until West Ham make a new official apparoach but as Pardews resignation was rejected they will have to pay compensation in the reigon of £250k.

It's been confirmed the Hammers will be led by Trevor Brooking for their game, ironically, against Reading but if West Ham get their way and sign Alan Pardew he may be the man to lead West ham on Tuesday at fotress Gresty. This will ofcourse be surrounded in great media interest - but here's to us upsetting their party, after we issue the warning on Saturday!