Pardew: Another defeat won't make me quit

14 April 2012

Alan Pardew will not quit West Ham even if they suffer a ninth successive defeat in Sunday's clash against Blackburn. He has, instead, called on his players to justify their reputations.

But his credibility, and that of his team, will plunge further if Mark Hughes's men gain revenge for last season's opening-day defeat.

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Pardew has urged his players to prove they can rediscover their impressive form of last season, saying: "They have earned their reputations - now they have to justify them."

The West Ham boss attempted to be as positive as possible despite his side's miserable midweek Carling Cup defeat at League One Chesterfield, showing a steely determination when asked if he would consider his future if beaten again.

"No, I don't think I would," he said. "I don't think that's my way. My position has always been the same, to repair myself quickly and get ready for the next game. The next game is Arsenal at home and that wets the mouth straightaway for me. That's the type of person I am. But, of course, the most important agenda first is Blackburn."

Though Pardew will not walk, West Ham chairman Terry Brown will come under serious pressure to make a change if Blackburn win, especially if the fans finally turn against the manager after showing patience.

Pardew readily admitted that he has made errors that have seen the team plunge to second bottom in the Premiership with no goals scored in seven games.

He said: "I'm not immune to making mistakes and I'm sure I have made many. I don't want to divulge them publicly but I've discussed with my players and staff how we could have done things differently. The effects of last season, the expectation, the transfer market - there are a lot of lessons to be learned by myself.

"I've had so many messages from senior figures in the game, all of them wishing me well and hoping I get the right result on Sunday.

"I want us to bring back that gift of doing the unexpected. I haven't seen enough of that in this team this season.

"We need to find that something which is a little bit different, and we need the right platform. A positive stadium would help."

Pardew is refusing to accept criticism of captain Nigel Reo-Coker, pleading that he has had a difficult job to do, out of his normal central position. "I would not dream of making someone else captain," the manager said.

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