Alan Pardew: a look at the Premier League’s latest managerial casualty

Alan Pardew’s managerial career is very hit and miss, with highs and lows at every club he has led over his many years in the game. 

After departing The Hawthorns recently – leaving the club rock bottom of the Premier League and almost certain to be relegated – this is one of the low points. Fans were visibly upset at Pardew and overjoyed at news of his departure.

However, some clubs have benefited from Pardew and have a very different view than current Baggies fans. West Ham back in the day profited very much so from Alan’s antics for the Hammers. He took them above and beyond the Championship gaining promotion via the ever-dramatic playoffs. In his debut season in the Premier League with West Ham, they reached the FA Cup final narrowly losing out on penalties to Liverpool in that classic affair in 2006.

Newcastle United similarly benefited. In his time at Newcastle, Pardew engineered some managerial masterpieces, including the famous 4-4 comeback with Arsenal and retaining Premier League status for another season whilst avoiding relegation. Key signings such as Demba Ba and Papiss Cissé helped fire Newcastle to a top six finish the following season and brought European football back to St. James’ Park after a barren five years (they reached the quarter final, eventually exiting to Benfica) and Pardew deservedly won the Manager of the season award.

His time at Palace was also not without highlights. A glittering start to his time at Selhurst Park meant that Palace finished 10^th in the Premier League (their best in the Premier League era) and he also reached the FA Cup final once again. Although, form began to nose dive and Pardew left with the club dangerously low to the dreaded relegation zone.

This led Alan Pardew to West Brom where he spent a mere four months. A winless streak at the end of his time at The Hawthorns ultimately sealed his fate. Whilst Pardew’s inconsistent career will almost definitely see him return to the Premier League sometime in the near future, the midlands club currently sit in bottom position, 10 points adrift and with only six games to go, time is drastically running out.

Written by Sam Brazier.