Alan Pardew

[Guest reefatoon]

The argument about the inclusion of Ben Arfa aside, I don't think we play particularly bad football. IMO it's a continuation of how we played under Hughton in general; sometimes we knock it about and look really good, sometimes we play the percentage game. The same as most Premier League clubs to be frank. Both approaches have got us results this season, and as long as that continues in the main then it's hard to criticise.

 

I can understand the concerns of those who think that moving towards a percentage game too often will see us moving backwards though. If we see this season out well and make Europe then I think Pardew will have more confidence in his own plans whatever they may be. Things are on something of a knife edge at the moment because we're doing better than seemingly anyone at the club expected, so he's scared to change anything too much in case he misses this opportunity.

 

I definitely think this is true. There is that argument that if you change a formula that has served you so well for most of the season then why change it? Such an argument has substance really - at the start of the season, with the emphasis being on defensive solidity, we were becoming harder to beat and that certainly worked in our favour. I guess any significant changes now could knack us between now and the end of the season. If this is Pardew's view then I can understand it tbh.

 

In terms of the football we've played, it has been pretty at times and at other times, downright atrocious but sometimes a mix of a passing game and direct football can work to our benefit (see the Man U game at St. James'). From what we've heard, Pardew does have an attention-to-detail approach when it comes to deciding on the tactics and that can only be a good thing. Of course, he has got it completely wrong at times but with mistakes, comes experience and I hope Pardew is learning from them (he certainly learned from his mistakes from Stoke last season and set us up to a brilliant win this season).

 

I also really think that Pardew had different plans for us during pre-season. I actually do believe that he wanted us to pass and play this season but because our pre-season turned out to be a terrible one (Ben Arfa getting injured, Tiote's visa problems), I reckon Alan had little choice but to throw his initial plans out the window and to work on something else (which has gone well tbh). If the next pre-season goes well (and if we finish this season strongly of course), can see us playing a different type of game next season, one which I think will be much better than some of this season's showings.

 

Enjoyable read that sifu

[madras]

but he has changed quite often, you can't say jonas in the middle and best out left was conservative, even sticking with it after a heavy defeat.

[Sifu]

but he has changed quite often, you can't say jonas in the middle and best out left was conservative, even sticking with it after a heavy defeat.

 

Indeed. Though seeing as Ba (and Cissé) weren't available to Pardew (and thus his "preferred system" couldn't be properly used) think Alan wanted to experiment a bit there and see if such a system had some merit and guess he also did it because he wanted to somehow integrate Ben Arfa into the team. The signs were a bit promising (the QPR game and the first half in the Fulham game being key examples) but with two consecutive defeats (Fulham and Brighton) in such a system and with Best and Shola playing, Pardew probably thought that he should stick to Best's and Shola's "strengths" and play two upfront (and hence use his previous system).

[madras]

but he has changed quite often, you can't say jonas in the middle and best out left was conservative, even sticking with it after a heavy defeat.

 

Indeed. Though seeing as Ba (and Cissé) weren't available to Pardew (and thus his "preferred system" couldn't be properly used) think Alan wanted to experiment a bit there and see if such a system had some merit and guess he also did it because he wanted to somehow integrate Ben Arfa into the team. The signs were a bit promising (the QPR game and the first half in the Fulham game being key examples) but with two consecutive defeats (Fulham and Brighton) in such a system and with Best and Shola playing, Pardew probably thought that he should stick to Best's and Shola's "strengths" and play two upfront (and hence use his previous system).

preferred system or no the ploy of jonas in the middle with best wide left doesn't need 2 games. the QPR game we got the result, the performance had little to build a new startegy on.

[Sifu]

but he has changed quite often, you can't say jonas in the middle and best out left was conservative, even sticking with it after a heavy defeat.

 

Indeed. Though seeing as Ba (and Cissé) weren't available to Pardew (and thus his "preferred system" couldn't be properly used) think Alan wanted to experiment a bit there and see if such a system had some merit and guess he also did it because he wanted to somehow integrate Ben Arfa into the team. The signs were a bit promising (the QPR game and the first half in the Fulham game being key examples) but with two consecutive defeats (Fulham and Brighton) in such a system and with Best and Shola playing, Pardew probably thought that he should stick to Best's and Shola's "strengths" and play two upfront (and hence use his previous system).

preferred system or no the ploy of jonas in the middle with best wide left doesn't need 2 games. the QPR game we got the result, the performance had little to build a new startegy on.

 

I really thought Jonas did well in the middle. It gave him a free licence to roam around which meant he had more influence on the game imo. Certainly linked up well with Ben Arfa.

[madras]

he shadowed ben arfa, little else vQPR. V fulham he had one or two MotD touches and that was all.

[Guest Dontooner]

The argument about the inclusion of Ben Arfa aside, I don't think we play particularly bad football. IMO it's a continuation of how we played under Hughton in general; sometimes we knock it about and look really good, sometimes we play the percentage game. The same as most Premier League clubs to be frank. Both approaches have got us results this season, and as long as that continues in the main then it's hard to criticise.

 

I can understand the concerns of those who think that moving towards a percentage game too often will see us moving backwards though. If we see this season out well and make Europe then I think Pardew will have more confidence in his own plans whatever they may be. Things are on something of a knife edge at the moment because we're doing better than seemingly anyone at the club expected, so he's scared to change anything too much in case he misses this opportunity.

 

I definitely think this is true. There is that argument that if you change a formula that has served you so well for most of the season then why change it? Such an argument has substance really - at the start of the season, with the emphasis being on defensive solidity, we were becoming harder to beat and that certainly worked in our favour. I guess any significant changes now could knack us between now and the end of the season. If this is Pardew's view then I can understand it tbh.

 

In terms of the football we've played, it has been pretty at times and at other times, downright atrocious but sometimes a mix of a passing game and direct football can work to our benefit (see the Man U game at St. James'). From what we've heard, Pardew does have an attention-to-detail approach when it comes to deciding on the tactics and that can only be a good thing. Of course, he has got it completely wrong at times but with mistakes, comes experience and I hope Pardew is learning from them (he certainly learned from his mistakes from Stoke last season and set us up to a brilliant win this season).

 

I also really think that Pardew had different plans for us during pre-season. I actually do believe that he wanted us to pass and play this season but because our pre-season turned out to be a terrible one (Ben Arfa getting injured, Tiote's visa problems), I reckon Alan had little choice but to throw his initial plans out the window and to work on something else (which has gone well tbh). If the next pre-season goes well (and if we finish this season strongly of course), can see us playing a different type of game next season, one which I think will be much better than some of this season's showings.

 

Too many assumptions tbh. Even with the current formation and safe tactics we are employing right now, there is alot of space for improvement. Even for the typical crossing game, we can look more dangerous and efficient. Maybe there are improvements since the beginning of the season but i just dont see the translation on the pitch.

[Sifu]

The argument about the inclusion of Ben Arfa aside, I don't think we play particularly bad football. IMO it's a continuation of how we played under Hughton in general; sometimes we knock it about and look really good, sometimes we play the percentage game. The same as most Premier League clubs to be frank. Both approaches have got us results this season, and as long as that continues in the main then it's hard to criticise.

 

I can understand the concerns of those who think that moving towards a percentage game too often will see us moving backwards though. If we see this season out well and make Europe then I think Pardew will have more confidence in his own plans whatever they may be. Things are on something of a knife edge at the moment because we're doing better than seemingly anyone at the club expected, so he's scared to change anything too much in case he misses this opportunity.

 

I definitely think this is true. There is that argument that if you change a formula that has served you so well for most of the season then why change it? Such an argument has substance really - at the start of the season, with the emphasis being on defensive solidity, we were becoming harder to beat and that certainly worked in our favour. I guess any significant changes now could knack us between now and the end of the season. If this is Pardew's view then I can understand it tbh.

 

In terms of the football we've played, it has been pretty at times and at other times, downright atrocious but sometimes a mix of a passing game and direct football can work to our benefit (see the Man U game at St. James'). From what we've heard, Pardew does have an attention-to-detail approach when it comes to deciding on the tactics and that can only be a good thing. Of course, he has got it completely wrong at times but with mistakes, comes experience and I hope Pardew is learning from them (he certainly learned from his mistakes from Stoke last season and set us up to a brilliant win this season).

 

I also really think that Pardew had different plans for us during pre-season. I actually do believe that he wanted us to pass and play this season but because our pre-season turned out to be a terrible one (Ben Arfa getting injured, Tiote's visa problems), I reckon Alan had little choice but to throw his initial plans out the window and to work on something else (which has gone well tbh). If the next pre-season goes well (and if we finish this season strongly of course), can see us playing a different type of game next season, one which I think will be much better than some of this season's showings.

 

Too many assumptions tbh. Even with the current formation and safe tactics we are employing right now, there is alot of space for improvement. Even for the typical crossing game, we can look more dangerous and efficient. Maybe there are improvements since the beginning of the season but i just dont see the translation on the pitch.

 

There's always room for improvement really. I just think that, having thought it about it quite a bit, the "safe tactics" has somewhat worked wonders for us this season and I reckon we'll continue to reap the benefits from it imo. With the position we're in atm (and with our aim higher now than it was at the start of the season), I guess it's the case of "it's better to be safe than sorry".

[Dr Venkman]

At what point did long balls start to be called crosses?

[Guest hatem garrincha]

The main quality of Pardew seems to be his ability to motivate and transcend his players with slogans such as solidarity, "pride in the jersey", fight etc.

Ben Arfa maybe the only player who didn't get "the message".

[Mick]

At what point did long balls start to be called crosses?

 

When they come from out wide rather than hoofing it up the middle.

[Guest Dontooner]

I haven't seem to quite coin the term yet, but here we go again "Hoof and Cross Pardew". Till he improves,otherwise it will remain my opinion of his seamless preparation and his good passing football.

[Guest Howaythetoon]

The major difference between Pardew and Sir Bobby is their footballing philosophies are totally different. Sir Bobby was a positive forward thinking kind of manager who wanted his sides to play attacking, exciting football, at pace and with lots of energy. His signings and the football we played in general demonstrated this. Pardew is far more negative and more defensive. He believes in stats more, giving extra importance to minor details and in general playing a percentages kind of game, relying on individuals and team spirit to see us through.

 

To be fair it is working for Pardew and his side, but only just. There is no plan B though and no other way, style or strategy so when plan A doesn't work, we are basically defeated. What stands out for me is that Sir Bobby had this almost encylepedia like knowledge of all kinds of systems, players, strategies and tactics yet his philopshy was simple and straight forward. Pick your best players and give them the confidence and freedom to express themselves to play attacking football and more often than not it worked, at several levels.

 

Going back to Carl Cort, I think Sir Bobby considered him a long-term replacement for Shearer or a back-up to him, i.e. an all-round type of centre-forward. To be fair, he had the ability and at Wimbledon he looked really promising, but injuries and other issues impeded that potential.

 

Bobby was a canny manager as well in terms of spotting things. He knew Shearer's mobility wasn't getting any better but there was no way he could drop a player still capable of scoring 30 goals in a season in all competitions and nor could we afford a mobile 30 a year striker, so he brought in Bellamy to play alongside Shearer and Robert to fire in the crosses. We already had Solano on the other flank. In midfield he had Dyer playing a kind of free role with Speed sitting and protecting. But we were so good going forward, Speed often grabbed himself a few goals too.

 

Bobby tried several times to change the way we played too, he bought Hugo Viana because he thought we didn't keep possession enough and bought Jenas to eventually replace Speed or rather his role in the side. That didn't quite work out but Bobby had the ability to change the way we played. I doubt pardew has that ability nor even the inclination to see our game changed or adapted.

 

We pretty much play the same kind of game as we did last season under him, only we have better players so results are improving. Performances aren't though and that's a worry, a massive worry, because as Sir Bobby himself said when once asked how he knew his side was improving or his players... its all in the performance. Forget league position or stats. They can be false. Performances cannot however. Ba's performances show he is the real deal, that he is a top top striker. Colo likewise in defence. Krul between the sticks.

 

In reverse, Shola's performances, Obertan's... they prove these players are simply not good enough, not to start anyway yet still they do - while players like Ben Arfa sit on the bench collecting splinters.

 

Sir Bobby would have him in his side 9 times out of 10 and give him the confidence and freedom to express himself to the best of his considerable ability.

 

And that's why he was a top manager and probably why Pardew will never ever be a top manager himself.

[Guest]

Brilliant post that, agree with it all really

[Guest BooBoo]

The vast majority of managers will always compare poorly to Bobby. A pretty unfair comparison really.

[JH]

For those that can't be bothered to read it:

 

Bobby Robson > Alan Pardew.

 

Not that we didn't know that already

[timeEd32]

Not really sure why Pardew (or any NUFC manager) has to be compared to SBR. I don't think anyone is claiming Pardew is a better manager. Pardew should be judged on what he's doing with the current team. Right now, he's a rousing success.

 

If you really want to compare to past managers, how about we include Allardyce, Roeder, Souness, etc. as well instead of just putting him up against one of the greatest ever British managers.

[Guest Dontooner]

Sir Bobby imo should never be mentioned or compare to Alan little Pardew, the man is a Legend and his achievements and football tactics will never be match by Pardew or many English base Managers.

 

I remember hating Bobby's Hoof to CF ,knock down to speedy striker strategy as it was a big part of our game however we were always able to control games against any of oppositions for a good period of 10 to 15 mins. It was exciting as we were a counter attacking team and could keep the ball if we decided to do so.

[Pilko]

Demba Ba's areet but let's compare him to Jimmy Greaves. He's shit.

[captainhaircut]

Revisionist history at it's greatest.

 

Our first few seasons under Bobby included plenty of shit performances, ridiculous decisions and poor signings.

 

I remember seeing Bassedas, Jenas and Brian Kerr play wide, people begging for Lua Lua to be picked and Bernard being stuck behind Elliott for an age to name a few.

 

Pardew is doing considerably better than Bobby did in his first full season and he lost four of his best performers in Barton, Enrique, Nolan and Carroll. Bobby didn't have to deal with that at all. The equivalent would have been similar to him losing Shearer, Solano and Speed and having to replace him.

 

I'm not saying that Pardew is a better manager but you can hardly compare Bobby's team that took 3/4 years to build to Pardew's team of a year.

 

 

[Guest Howaythetoon]

Another thing to remember, Sir Bobby transformed a then average side playing poor football into a top side playing great football, in the main by adding Bellamy and Robert to the side, all in a short space of time. That alone takes some doing. He then built on that and took us even further, at one point very close to an actual title challenge. Indeed we were right in there competing for it until key injuries especially to Bellamy.

 

Bobby did a magnificent job here looking back. That season we finished 5th was massively disappointing given we had finished 3rd the season prior but we didn't spend any money, suffered injuries to key players throughout, especially at critical stages of the season, but we still finished 5th and reached the semis of the UEFA Cup. In fact I believe if we didn't have European football that season, we would have fared better in the league.

 

Remember he was picking strong sides in that competition and rightly so because he believed we were capable of winning it and that was an actual target of his. But it took its toll on the squad and indeed our league campaign.

 

Sir Bobby had to put up with many a circus off the field too, but his team always went oute there to play football, to attack the opposition, to win the game. Those wins at Leeds, at Charlton away where we absolutely murdered them, Arsenal away, man Utd 4-3, for example, we played superb football.

 

If this side we have now played like that, we'd be 4th comfortably given the form of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool in general this season. Who knows, we may be competing with Spurs even for 3rd. Instead, as good as it has been overall and as high as we are, we could well finish outside of the top 7 and all because we do not play good enough football or use the right kind of tactics and team selections.

[Guest Dontooner]

Not really sure why Pardew (or any NUFC manager) has to be compared to SBR. I don't think anyone is claiming Pardew is a better manager. Pardew should be judged on what he's doing with the current team. Right now, he's a rousing success.

 

If you really want to compare to past managers, how about we include Allardyce, Roeder, Souness, etc. as well instead of just putting him up against one of the greatest ever British managers.

 

Probably just trying to point out the difference in attacking Philosophy and Safe/Defensive Philosophy.

[Guest BooBoo]

For balance, there was some absolutely shocking performances under SBR in his first two years at the club.

[Guest Dontooner]

Revisionist history at it's greatest.

 

Our first few seasons under Bobby included plenty of s*** performances, ridiculous decisions and poor signings.

 

I remember seeing Bassedas, Jenas and Brian Kerr play wide, people begging for Lua Lua to be picked and Bernard being stuck behind Elliott for an age to name a few.

 

Pardew is doing considerably better than Bobby did in his first full season and he lost four of his best performers in Barton, Enrique, Nolan and Carroll. Bobby didn't have to deal with that at all. The equivalent would have been similar to him losing Shearer, Solano and Speed and having to replace him.

 

I'm not saying that Pardew is a better manager but you can hardly compare Bobby's team that took 3/4 years to build to Pardew's team of a year.

 

 

 

Honestly Doubt given 10 years in charge Pardew could bring us to the heights of where Sir Bobby brought us. Let reserve judgement as and when , Alan Pardew could finish a team in the top 6.

[alexf]

HTT, your saying if we played better more attacking football we would be even higher but I have to disagree. The more open we are could expose us defensively. Which we haven't really been this season hence wins we have with narrow margins. The times we have been exposed, West Brom/Fulham/spurs we have been torn apart at the back because we lack pace.

I am a huge critic of Pardew and would love him to play Ben Arfa more etc. But I believe we have played a certain way as some of our players are not top 6 quality and therefore have got the best we can out of them.

 

I think we need to get as high as possible this season and then try and upgrade on the crap in the squad and kick on and play better football next season. It remains to be seen whether Pardew can produce a team that plays good football but it would be extremely harsh to make a judgement on him in his first full season with his team.

I think he has just stuck with what has got us placed so high this season and doesn't want to mess with it. Next season will be the time to judge as if we try to replicate this season with the same style we will go backwards in my opinion.