West Bromwich Albion have announced Alan Pardew as their next manager.
Unlike the current situation at Everton, the Baggies have not hesitated to bring in somebody swiftly as they needed an experienced coach to steady the ship at the Hawthorns, with the club only winning 2 of their last 22 league games.
Although, known for his heated arguments with opposition managers, match day officials and the occasional player, Pardew carries a wealth of top flight experience, something the Baggies will need if they need to turn their form around.
However, questions have been raised of his managerial credentials, is he the right man for the job and is he a long term or short term prospect.
Pardew’s Premier League history
Alan Pardew has been managing in the Premier League since his promotion with West Ham back in 2005.
That season, he led the Hammers to 9th place in the league, while also reaching the FA Cup final. However, next season he was sacked after an indifferent start to the season (and fallout with the clubs new Icelandic owners).
Nonetheless, Pardew was not out of a job for long and took up the vacancy at Charlton. Despite early success, the Addicks were relegated at the end of the season. He would leave the club in November 2008 after failing to get the club back into England’s top flight.
Pardew made his Premier League return with Newcastle in December 2010.
Despite being a controversial character at Tyneside, Pardew did have success by taking the Magpies to 5th place in the 11/12 season and winning the LMA manager of the year award. However, a lack of sufficient backing from the board, along with some sideline antics (headbutting Hull player David Meyler just one of many) contributed to his downfall.
In January, 2015, Pardew left Newcastle to manage his former club Crystal Palace. The Eagles were struggling in the league but under Pardew’s guidance, he steered them away from the relegation zone.
The following season was mixed, as Palace went from UEFA Europa League contenders from their early season form to finishing 14th in the league. Despite making it to his second FA Cup Final (losing to Manchester United), Pardew’s Palace continued their poor form over to the next season, which led to his sacking.
Now at West Brom, Pardew will want to make amends from his previous mishaps and prolong his career in the world’s most prestigious league.
An immediate hit
Alan Pardew recent managerial positions suggest he brings instant success to the club.
Crystal Palace is a prime example. As recalled above, Pardew took over the struggling Eagles, who were in the relegation zone.
Pardew guided the club to 10th place that season and became the first manager to take a team from the relegation zone to a top half finish. This is something that West Brom fans be hoping that Pardew can emulate.
Newcastle is another example.
Although, Pardew did not improve the club straight away as he did with Palace, he did lead the club to its highest finish (5th) under Mike Ashley the following season.
He also led West Ham to 9th in his maiden season, which suggest Pardew is more than capable in taking West Brom into the top half of the table.
Is Alan Pardew a long term option?
A question that fans and pundits will be asking themselves is, how long will Alan Pardew last at the club?
Although the days of long term managerial reign is at an end, history suggest that Pardew is known for his blistering starts but not finishing the way he began. Newcastle fans made their opinions clear with the club’s inconsistent performances under the Londoner’s reign.
Similar can be said at Palace and at West Ham as both occasions led to his departure despite early success.
For West Brom though, the clubs main objective is to maintain their league status.
Although Pardew has had a mixed time in his attempts of rescuing clubs from relegation (Charlton in 2007), West Brom will feel they have a man, who is capable in lifting the team out their current rut and guide them up the league table.
Written by James Reidy
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