Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew fired up by facing old rival Brian McDermott in FA Cup
Thursday 10 March 2016 17:38, UK
Alan Pardew is thrilled to be going up against Brian McDermott and his Reading side in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Friday.
Palace, without a top-flight win since December 19, are looking to continue their fine FA Cup run when they visit the Championship side.
Ahead of a fixture that would intensify the pressure on him should it end in defeat, Pardew is happy about competing with a close friend who began a second spell as Reading's manager in December.
"I was so pleased McDermott got the job back at Reading because he understands what it takes to get out of the Championship," said Pardew, who left his role as Reading boss to join West Ham in acrimonious circumstances in 2003 but by then had already appointed McDermott as the club's chief scout.
"I expect they'll be pushing to get back in the Premier League next year. The play-offs are probably a step too far so the Cup is everything for them and us as well. It will make for a really tense game."
Pardew is prepared to be the target for chiding from Reading supporters.
"I've never had a great reception but that's pretty understandable, the way I left," Pardew added.
"I had a great period of my career there but I didn't leave in the best circumstances, but I've seen (Reading chairman) John Madejski and the board and shook hands and put it behind us. I class him still as a friend really.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Brian and a few old friends at Reading. If we get beaten, I know what the club are going through and that'll be the only consolation.
"We talked about how I left and there were mistakes on both sides and we moved on. They're in good hands with Brian."
Wayne Hennessey and Jason Puncheon have returned from injury in time for Friday's fixture, and particularly after Alex McCarthy's costly mistake during Sunday's 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool, the former is expected to start.
Marouane Chamakh has, however, been ruled out with an adductor injury suffered in Monday's reserve fixture against Colchester, which could yet end his season and put his future at the club into doubt, given his contract expires in the summer.
