---
title: "Alan Pardew branded ‘amazing’ by former defender"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2015/10/14/alan-pardew-branded-amazing-former-defender/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Spiking"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2015-10-14T09:53:06Z"
modified: "2015-10-14T09:53:06Z"
---

# Alan Pardew branded ‘amazing’ by former defender

**Speaking to [Sky Sports News HQ](https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/11706/10027986/nicky-shorey-says-alan-pardew-is-great-at-making-players-believe-in-themselves?), former defender Nicky Shorey has highlighted how important Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew can be for any club at any level.**

During his time at Reading, Pardew agreed a deal with Leyton Orient worth £25,000 to take Shorey to the Madjeski Stadium. The full back went on to feature 261 times for the Royal Blues and also made two appearances for England.

![Stu Forster/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readcrystalpalace.com/readcrystalpalace/sites/17/2015/10/158306869.jpg)

Across all four divisions in the UK, Shorey went on to play over 400 times. Now, the 34-year-old has gone on to state that Pardew was one of the finest managers to work under as a footballer.

> *For me, he was an amazing manager and I cannot speak highly enough of him.*
>
> *As a youngster coming through he really instilled confidence and belief in me. He made me want to improve and made me think I could play at the very highest level, even if I didn’t necessarily believe it myself.*
>
> *What he instilled has stayed with me and he’s definitely one of the best managers I have worked with. He’s a top, top manager and he’s proven that over the last few years in the Premier League.*

Pardew’s most-recent job before taking the reigns at Crystal Palace was at Newcastle. However, when he took over at the Eagles, they were relegation candidates. Now, they are targeting a European spot ahead of next season.

Last season, Pardew steered Palace away from the relegation zone and ultimately finished in 10th.