Alan Pardew: 4 Reasons Why a Move to Crystal Palace Makes Sense
Alan Pardew is Crystal Palace's top managerial target after sacking Neil Warnock this month, reports claim, although on the surface this may seem a strange move for the current Newcastle United boss.
Louise Taylor and Dominic Fifield of The Guardian write that "Palace are expected to make a formal approach for Alan Pardew early this week."
Outlining the extent of Palace's interest, they continue that "the south London club are aware they would have to meet a hefty buyout clause in Pardew’s contract, thought to be up to £6 million."
With Newcastle currently in 10th place in the Premier League, and Palace 18th, it seems a drop in quality for Pardew.
But there are many reasons why the manager may wish to make the switch.
Here are four reasons why Pardew's potential move to Palace makes sense for all parties, including a look at the financial implications for the club's owner, Steve Parish.
Give the Fans What They Want
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For large portions of last season, and during the first half of 2014/15, there have been large calls from the Newcastle fanbase for Pardew's sacking.
This was fuelled by claims, per The Independent, that Ashley declared Pardew "finished" earlier this season.
Banners, chants and even a dedicated website, SackPardew.com, have underlined this feeling.
That website's opening manifesto claims pride, passion and belief are "fundamental elements that all supporters require to unite behind their team."
"The fans will always bring passion, but the club and the manager must enable them to be proud and to believe through their actions and words. This is why Alan Pardew is not the correct man to take Newcastle United forward."
Pardew leaving Newcastle would sate the club's baying support, although it may prove to be their mistake.
Stress Relief
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As a result of this fan pressure, it has been a stressful tenure at Newcastle for Pardew.
After Pardew sensationally headbutted Hull City midfielder David Meyler last season, former Palace manager Tony Pulis compared the stress of management to childbirth, per the Daily Mirror.
Pulis claimed: "For people who have never managed, it’s almost like telling women how to have a baby—you don’t understand."
"Emotionally, you are so keen and desperate for that team to win and play well for the supporters of that football club," Pulis continued.
This was compounded by Pardew's claim this season, per the Daily Star, that he was enduring "dark days."
Pardew declared Newcastle's struggles "[make] it difficult and stressful."
This stress seemingly affected those close to Pardew too, per The Guardian, as he claimed this season: "The effect on my family and friends worries me a little bit...It’s a difficult scenario, particularly for family. It’s not nice for them."
While Pardew is an undeniably strong character, perhaps these pressures have become too much for the 53-year-old.
A move to Palace could end a sustained nightmare for Pardew in the north east.
A Hero's Welcome
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In a direct contrast to the ire directed towards Pardew at Newcastle, Pardew would surely be welcomed as a hero if he made the switch to Selhurst Park.
As a former midfielder at the club, Pardew made 128 league appearances between 1987 and 1991, per Soccerbase.com.
As outlined by Laurie Whitwell for the Daily Mail, Pardew's contribution included a famous victory over Liverpool in the 1989/90 FA Cup semi-final, as he "rose to head an extra-time winner in the FA Cup semi-final to deny Liverpool an unprecedented double."
His history with the club, paired with his previous success, would surely endear Pardew to the Palace faithful.
Pardew would join a club where he would be loved.
An Investment in Survival
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On the other end of the equation, ousting Warnock and pursuing Pardew ahead of the January transfer window is a bold move by Parish.
This is highlighted even further by the reported £6 million compensation fee they would have to pay Newcastle to secure the manager's services.
However, as evidenced by Pardew's many instances of revival—in last season's improved placing, coping with the sales of the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy and this season's upturn—he may be the right man to inspire Palace this season.
As a summer study by the Daily Mail shows, the financial implications of competing the in Premier League are phenomenal; even bottom-placed Cardiff City earned £62 million in television payments.
A £6 million outlay, followed by potential player investment, could be the difference between sustained earning and a future mire.
