Pards lays down the law
06 Sep 2006 - 09:40:12
West Ham United manager Alan Pardew has made it clear that he will leave Upton Park unless he is able to retain full control of first-team affairs.
Pardew angrily denied suggestions that Argentina internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano have clauses in their contracts stating that they must be selected if fit.
The Hammers boss is satisfied the current board will not interfere with his work, but admitted the situation could change if Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian succeeds with the takeover bid he is considering.
"If anybody tries to tell me what team to pick, I will go. I will not accept that and I want to make that clear right now," Pardew told The Sun.
"If there is a potential owner thinking that might happen, he best think again or he better think of somebody else.
"I am very proud of not just what I've done, but also what my team's done, in terms of my staff.
"Let's be honest I don't know what's going to happen in terms of the ownership of this club.
"But no one in my squad is guaranteed a starting place. Everyone has to earn that right."