Alan Pardew, patter merchant extraordinaire

‎"We're trying to make sure this club is stronger than it was last year. As it stands, when we started the season, I'd say we're not at that position yet."
Alan Pardew 19th August 2011


"For us, you only had to look at our bench on Saturday and the players who didn't make the bench - like Alan Smith, for example - to know that I feel we are much stronger squad-wise this year to attack this competition, and also to attack the FA Cup."
Alan Pardew 24th August 2011


Unbelievable!

 

Not much I don't agree with, the side has improved to the point where Alan Smith doesn't make the bench then it's a good thing. We need a striker and a left back, Smith doesn't do either of those so other than those two areas the squad has improved.
Welcome to the board by the way, nice positive article to begin with

 

Hmm hard to argue but Pardew was probably just trying to hint to Mike to get his hand in his pocket on the first one! To be honest from players, to management, to board, nobody in football can lie straight in bed!!

 

He's speaking the truth is he not?

 

Thought you already had an account?! Or is there 2 Nobby's trumpet now?

 

I think Pardew was trying to say that although the starting 11 may not yet be stronger than this time last year, we have more strength in depth, so the squad as a whole is stronger. I agree with this and if we sign a decent striker and left back the team looks pretty good.

 

I thought somebody already had that username too.

This isn't you at the Darlington game is it?

 

No mate, it's not. i've used this username on other forums before & just registered today on not606. Didn't realise someone else had nicked it.

 

Right, username now changed to avoid confusion.

 

I just find it incredible he says the club isn't in a stronger position and then five days later say the squad is stronger when, in the mean time, one of our better players last season is on the verge of leaving.

I guess I'm just fed up with being told one thing and then being dealt another at the minute.

If we go into the new season without at the very minimum a decent actual left back then I'll be worried.

 

I think we'll get a left back of some description . I know what you mean, I'm just surprised its taken you so long to get fed up of being lied to. Its been like that from day 1 with this regime. Don't worry you'll soon go through the "acceptance of being lied to phase", followed by the "not giving a **** anymore about being lied to" phase!! Haha. Alan is from London too, where lying to people is seen as being a cheeky chappy!

 

Ha, it's not a sudden feeling of doom I have, the panic for me set in when one day Keegan said Milner wasn't going anywhere and then 2 days later they'd sold him. Still, when you cut through all of the crap, a ray of sunshine like the result on Saturday is what it's all about.

 

Ah we'll be alright as far as I'm concerned. You have to keep in mind the club always goes on. Its like when folk say "we'd have gone under if not for Ashley" We wouldn't. We're actually quite fortunate that this will never happen in my opinion. If it hadn't been him bailing us, someone else would have. We've started well and although Barton is another error, they just don't seem to be able to derail us.

 

different

 

So we have a 'much stronger squad' yet the club is weaker. I'd say we have more options in the middle of the park but are worse off for defenders and strikers.

 

more strength in depth, but lacking a LB/ST for the first 11

 

I've just heard Pardew say on BBC Newcastle that the squad is definitely stronger than last season.

It must be the signings we've made in the last week. Oh wait....

 

What he said about Smith is true but it only shows our strength in CM. Up front and in defence we seriously lack strength in depth.

 

He doesn't half talk some crap. I miss Hughton's quiet considered take on things.

 

Who've we got to cover centre half if that's Willo out?