Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew insists he enjoyed the majority of his time in charge of Newcastle ahead of their meeting in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
Pardew walked out of St James’ Park last month after coming under growing pressure from fans in the early stages of the campaign.
The 53-year-old opted to accept the opportunity to take charge of Crystal Palace, who he had represented as a player between 1987 and 1991.
The former Southampton boss enjoyed some success during his time in the north east and helped to guide Newcastle into the Europa League.
However, Newcastle made a poor start to the current season, failing to win any of their opening seven games.
Wednesday’s meeting between the Magpies and Palace, who are valued at 13.00 to face the drop, will be the first time Pardew has come up against his former side, but he is not expecting any animosity.
Pardew said: “I’m not expecting or hoping for any reaction. We had some great times together. It was not so great the last year, but on the whole my experience there was great.
“I thought I did a good job and walked out with my head held high, and so I’m looking forward to the game. I’ve still got all my staff there and my players, and they’re close to my heart.
“It will be strange because after four years after living every part of that football club and that city, good and bad, it’s emotional. It will be a slightly different game for me.”
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet