- Crystal Palace drew 0-0 with West Ham
- Ex-boss Alan Pardew attended match
- Fans insist he can’t replace Oliver Glasner
Crystal Palace supporters have been given a fright after seeing former manager Alan Pardew sitting with Steve Parish on Monday night. The pair watched the Eagles take on West Ham United at Selhurst Park.
Pardew might have chosen one of the worst games of the season to attend as the two sides settled on a 0-0 stalemate. He has been out of management since early 2023, when he left Greek minnows Aris Thessaloniki.
The 64-year-old’s last job in English club football was at West Bromwich Albion, but before that, he spent just short of two years at Selhurst Park. He guided the South Londoners to the FA Cup final in 2016 but suffered a 2-1 loss to Manchester United after extra time.
Alan Pardew’s Topsy-Turvy Palace Stint
There is a mixed view of Pardew from fans, given his stint in charge, which had many ups and downs. He was sacked after a poor run of form in December 2016, but many do speak fondly of the style he initially tried to implement.
Pardew has since been working in punditry after his long spell out of management. He makes regular appearances on talkSPORT but might be itching to get back in the dugout.
The former Newcastle United manager admitted in April 2023 that he eventually wants to get “back into the big time of football management.” He even said he’d be open to an interim job.
Palace will have a managerial vacancy this summer when Oliver Glasner leaves after his contract expires. But turning to Pardew isn’t the right call, especially if you ask fans.
‘Not Again’ – Crystal Palace Fans on Pardew Visit
Pardew might just have been in attendance to watch his former team alongside a friend in Parish. But his appearance still had fans talking about the possibility of a potential return.
It seems the consensus is that it would be the wrong decision. That’s how even one rival supporter reacted to his visit:
“If I were a Palace fan I’d be terrified seeing Pardew sat next to the owner knowing there’s a new manager to be appointed.”
A journalist wrote:
“Alan Pardew pictured next to Steve Parish in the directors box at Selhurst Park. Surely not?!”
One fan replied:
“Stop it! Stop it now.”
“Would’ve been Roy had he not gone to Bristol City.”
“Please not again.”
Palace will appoint Glasner’s successor at the end of the season and Andoni Iraola is the dream candidate. The Spaniard is leaving Bournemouth in June when his contract expires and David Ornstein confirmed that the club were keen.
