'Newcastle boss can secure his Premier League future with Selhurst Park switch'
Wednesday 31 December 2014 22:56, UK
Alan Pardew can make his mark at Crystal Palace and prolong his Premier League managerial career at Selhurst Park, according to Jamie Carragher.
The former Eagles midfielder is the odds-on favourite to return to his former club to replace Neil Warnock, who was sacked their loss to Southampton on Boxing Day.
Pardew may see this as an opportunity to be able to put a big stamp on a club, whereas I think he’s inhibited slightly at Newcastle.
Pardew is the Premier League’s second-longest serving manager having been in charge at St James’ Park for just over four years, but Carragher believes the time could be right for a change.
"If he went to Palace and kept them up, he could be there for another three or four years," Carragher told Monday Night Football. "But I don’t see him being Newcastle manager for another three or four years.
"He may see this as an opportunity to be able to put a big stamp on a club, whereas I think he’s inhibited slightly at Newcastle in terms of signings and people who come in.”
The 53-year-old didn’t speak to the press after Newcastle’s win against Everton on Super Sunday – a result that leaves them ninth in the Premier League table.
Palace meanwhile have managed just one win in their last 13 league games and sit in the relegation zone, but Carragher wouldn’t be surprised if Pardew completes the switch.
"Crystal Palace will never be as big of a club as Newcastle, so people automatically think ‘why would he move?’.
"The Newcastle fans don’t particularly like him or give him the respect that you’d expect for a manager.
"Does he get enough support from above him? You go back to the last January transfer window, when they were having a very good season and lost Yohan Cabaye. Could they lose Moussa Sissoko or Cheick Tiote now?
"It is a difficult job for him, but he’s done a good job and at times I think he gets a bit too much criticism."
