Alan Pardew under no illusion about the enormity of his task at Newcastle

20 September 2011 14:13
It took Alan Pardew about 30 seconds to grasp the enormity of the Newcastle United job. Probably when he was walking down the tunnel for his first game against Liverpool.[LNB] Even before he made his way up to the North East to replace Chris Hughton, Pardew understood the intensityof the role and the size of the club he would be attempting to manage.[LNB] Under pressure: Alan Pardew on the touchline in his first game in charge[LNB] Of course until he really experienced it - took in that first win against Liverpool, stood in front of the dug-out at St James' Park, heard the roar, dealt with the board, faced the media - he could not properly appreciate just how difficult and unique it is to manage Newcastle.[LNB] In less than a year he has taken on more than most managers have to deal with in a four or five year reign, even for a Newcastle boss.[LNB]  But he has also been given an insight into the distractions faced by the likes of Keegan, Robson, Souness and Allardyce, not to mention Hughton, which he will have watched from afar with fascination.[LNB] Every manager has their own tales, and Pardew's successors are certainly no different. It is a job which has its complications, And it always will have.[LNB] But whatever difficulties they have all faced, whatever small successes they have achieved, they have all failed to win a trophy for desperate fans, who, every year, have that optimistic belief this will be the year.[LNB] Pardew is back on the road to end that long depressing trophy-less run.[LNB] 'I want to win a trophy as quick as I can as Newcastle manager,' he said on Tuesday as he prepared to set off for the Carling Cup tie at Nottingham Forest. 'And this gives me an opportunity to do that.' [LNB] The difficulty for Pardew as he re-starts this quest, is the need to consider the long-term interests of his team and squad as he looks to maintain a healthy and unbeaten start to the league campaign.[LNB] The impressive form of Tim Krul, solidity of the back four, including two under-rated full-backs, the immediate gelling of a new-look midfield, and the startling goalscoring record of Leon Best have all helped to give Newcastle a firm base on which to build their Premier League season.[LNB] And it must be tempting to field his strongest side at the City Ground, as Newcastle attempt to follow Birmingham City's success last season and prove the top six doesn't have to win all the silverware.[LNB] Rivals: Pardew and Sunderland boss Steve Bruce[LNB] Resting his first choice team will be an important consideration, but more pressing is that players need games. Hatem Ben Arfa is itching for a run-out, Sylvain Marveaux needs competitive football, Sammy Ameobi deserves a start, Rob Elliot is ready to make his debut in goal.[LNB] It is still a gamble, though and at Newcastle gambling in the cup competitions has not always paid off, as Pardew discovered at Stevenage in the FA Cup last season. He is confident, however. [LNB] 'The difference in the squad isn't great,' said Pardew. 'These boys deserve a chance and they need no motivation.[LNB] 'This team will be more motivated than the one that played at Villa. Your focus is not always there for these games, the stadium won't be full and sometimes you need a squad that's motivated to win.[LNB] 'That's why the top teams have done well in this competition with younger sides.[LNB] 'We've seen a lot of mid-table Premier League teams go out of because of that motivation I think, so we certainly hope that doesn't happen with us.'[LNB] Solid: Newcastle lkeeper Tim Krul has been impressive[LNB] Forest have not exactly set the Championship alight under Steve McClaren and after the former England boss said his players had let their fans down with the defeat to bitter rivals Derby on Saturday. They could be a dangerous, wounded beast and motivation should not be a problem for them either.[LNB] At this early stage of the competition there does not appear to be a great deal at stake for teams and squad rotation for the Carling Cup in particular is an absolute necessity for every manager. [LNB] But Newcastle is a little bit different. And Pardew knows what it would mean to him and Newcastle United to finally win a trophy. He just needs to do it with his whole squad, not just a first XI.[LNB][LNB] [LNB]

Source: Daily_Mail