Alan Pardew says it will be strange to face Crystal Palace in first game in charge of West Brom
Friday 1 December 2017 16:33, UK
Alan Pardew says it will feel "slightly strange" facing former club Crystal Palace in his first game as West Brom manager, but insists his determination to win will be as strong as ever.
Pardew was named the new Baggies boss earlier this week, replacing Tony Pulis, who was sacked after 34 months at The Hawthorns.
The two clubs are separated by just three points, with Palace bottom of the table, and West Brom one position above the relegation zone.
Pardew has been both a player and manager at Selhurst Park, and looking ahead to Saturday's fixture, admitted: "It's a game that's close to my heart.
"I have a long history with Palace. And most of the players in their dressing room, I either brought them to the football club or gave them new contracts.
"I have a strong affinity with the staff there as well. So, on that side of it, it will be slightly strange.
"But my determination to win will be no different. It won't be any more, it'll be the same as usual, and they know how much I want to win. They know it'll be competitive."
And despite their position in the Premier League table, Pardew believes Palace are now performing like a mid-table team.
The 56-year-old was sacked by the south London club less than 12 months ago, and he added: "I expect Palace to stay up. The way they're playing now, they could be 10th in the division.
"And from 10th down, I don't think there is anything between the teams. It's going to be about momentum, putting two or three victories back-to-back, and you can jump up to 11th place.
"It's tight. It's the same at the top - they can't all win the league, those great managers."
