West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Media circus upsets Pardew

11 Sep 2006 - 08:49:41

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West Ham boss Alan Pardew thought his side were affected by the media frenzy that has submerged the club since he signed Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano as the Hammers produced a below-par display in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

In-form Bobby Zamora rescued a point for the hosts with his fifth goal of the season after Liam Ridgewell had given Martin O'Neill's side an early lead.

Both Tevez and Mascherano started the game on the substitute's bench although Pardew introduced Tevez in the second half, and the Hammers boss said after the match: "I'm relieved we got a point and glad the circus is over.

"We looked like we were carrying a bit of baggage from the week. Certain people were perhaps feeling different pressure.

"I just tried to remove that baggage I thought they were carrying. At half-time I said 'Come on, you're the guys who have done everything to get us here, let's not think the circus is going to affect us'.

"I think that without doubt it did in the first half. They looked a bit sluggish, a bit apprehensive. That's not us, that's not what I'm about."

Pardew also reiterated his desire to maintain the club's principles if there is a takeover at Upton Park.

The Hammers are currently the subject of a possible takeover by businessman Kia Joorabchian and Pardew added: "From my position as manager I'm going to try to preserve the integrity and history of this club.

"I'm not going to accept that we change what we're about.

"I hope that whoever does take over that they're passing it on to good hands, and that we can carry on in the way that we've gone forward, quickly, progressively and trying to win a trophy."