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Pardew – ‘I’d Rest Players In League’

12 years ago
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In a refreshing change to what is the norm these days, Alan Pardew has revealed that he would consider resting players in Premier League(!) matches if Newcastle progressed to the later stages and the cup took priority over the league.

Not only would he do it but he’s already done it when he was at West Ham!

Alan Pardew; “I actually did field a weakened team and got huge criticism at West Ham when we played Spurs. We were due to play Middlesbrough (in the 2006 FA Cup semi-final) after a Saturday game and I rested six or seven players and Spurs beat us handsomely.

I was not too popular in the East End at the time but then we won (to go through to the 2006 final) and I was popular. So I would consider it. It is all about prioritising what is important.

Obviously the teams in the relegation zone and in and around the bottom of the Premier League, I sympathise with them when the FA Cup comes around.

In that situation, your status and the financial impact is such that you have to focus on the league. You have to adjust to where you are as well. Horses for courses.

I just think it is the second biggest competition we can win, the biggest is the league and the chances of us winning that with the funds we have against some of the top clubs makes if very very difficult.

I would not say impossible but very very difficult. The Cup levels the playing field and gives us an opportunity of winning a trophy and getting into Europe”.

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