Pardew: The pressure is on

21 April 2011 15:30
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew admits the pressure on Barclays Premier League managers has increased dramatically since his last spell in the top flight. The former West Ham and Charlton manager arrived at St James' Park in December to pick up the reins of the Magpies' fight to remain among the big boys, a task they have all but achieved as a result of Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with leaders Manchester United. However, having seen Aston Villa counterpart Gerard Houllier rushed to hospital overnight, Pardew insists the stakes have been raised even higher in recent years. He said: "From my earlier time in the Premier League to now, the emphasis seems to be so much more on the manager for good and bad, and I don't really think that's healthy or right, if I am honest. "It's about the clubs and players. They are the guys who go out there and perform and get you off your seat, they are the ones who really should be spoken to and discussed. "Personally, I don't suffer too badly with stress, although my grey hair gives that away a little bit - but I had grey hair when I played and if you saw me play, it would be stressful."

Source: PA