Pardew reflects on tough week

23 August 2013 15:46

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will head in to his 100th Barclays Premier League match in charge of the Magpies against West Ham after battling through a week he concedes has been one of the most trying of his time in the job.

Pardew watched his side mauled 4-0 at Manchester City on Monday night a matter of hours after Arsenal tabled an unwelcome and 'derisory' £10million offer for star French midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

Pardew has also been unable to make much progress on much-needed reinforcements and now has injury and suspension concerns as he heads into two consecutive home games that could have a significant impact on the trajectory of the club's season.

Pardew said: "It's not been the easiest of weeks. There's been a few agendas in my time as Newcastle manager, but this has certainly been very colourful.

"But it's my hundredth Premier League game in charge of Newcastle this week and I'm very proud of that."

Pardew would not be drawn on the possible inclusion of Cabaye, who was not included against City but may return against West Ham despite rumours of imminent improved bids from both Arsenal and Paris St-Germain.

Pardew's latest personnel problems could hardly have come at a worse time with Steven Taylor suspended after his red card at City, Jonas Gutierrez definitely out with a hamstring injury, and Cheick Tiote battling a slight groin problem.

Pardew added: "We need to get a couple of results and pretty quickly I think. Two home games give us a new chance after a difficult night on Monday when there were a whole manner of issues going on.

"I have to say on reflection in the first half I think we played very well but they came at us from all angles and unfortunately on the night we couldn't quite cope with it - on another night it might have been easier for us.

"More than anything I feel sorry for our fans, this whole situation of watching their team struggle and get a sending-off and one of the best midfielders in the world not playing - it's hard to take."

Source: PA