Source: Northern_Echo
Pardew wants to hang on to Leeds target Smith
ALAN Pardew insists midfielder Alan Smith is still a key member of his squad, despite rumours he could be sent out on loan during the January transfer window.[LNB] The 30-year-old's opportunities have been limited to six starts this season, with newboy Cheik Tiote preferred in central midfield since his arrival in the summer.[LNB] The Ivory Coast international has impressed in his first season in the Premier League and it seems unless he picks up an injury, Smith will have to be content with a place on the substitutes' bench.[LNB] The former Manchester United man is one of the highest- paid players at the club, and with owner Mike Ashley keen to cut the wage bill, Smith could be loaned out or even sold.[LNB] Leeds United, are understood to be considering an offer for their former midfielder.[LNB] But Pardew insists Smith still has a part to play on Tyneside and fully expects the midfielder to see out the remaining 18 months of his contract, after hinting he could play a more forward role for the club.[LNB] Alan's been injured, and wasn't involved on the bench against West Ham. But he will be in and around for the FA Cup tie at Stevenage, said the Magpies boss.[LNB] He's an important person in this group, he's a good character around the dressing room. He's strong and he knows these sort of games, so he'll definitely be in the dressing room come what may.[LNB] I like Alan. He's got 18 months to run here and I'm sure he will want to see those 18 months out.[LNB] He's had to change his game with injuries and the age he's at, but that doesn't mean to say he can't play a more forward role.[LNB] I just said to him I'll use him where I think we might benefit from him.[LNB] I think it's got him excited.[LNB] I think he wants to get up front now and get a hat-trick if he's got one in the locker somewhere. I haven't seen that on the training ground yet though![LNB] Meanwhile, after the disappointment of failing to land Peter Taylor, Pardew admitted he was no closer to appointing an assistant, but insisted he was in no hurry.[LNB] Obviously we approached Peter Taylor and that hasn't worked out, which I'm not going to go into detail about.[LNB] When things are going well you look at why it's going well, said the former West Ham United boss.[LNB] Steve Stone and Wille Donachie have done a superb job here under my stewardship and I'm really pleased with them.[LNB] I'm trying to think of somebody that's going to fit in and not disrupt it.[LNB] It's about finding that person, who's not going to bring baggage with them because we've got a really good thing going on here at the moment.[LNB] So I have to make sure I pitch this at the right time and obviously when you win, the necessity isn't so great.[LNB]
