West Brom boss Pardew: ‘A week you wouldn’t wish for’

Joe Williams

Alan Pardew answered questions over his future at West Brom after the pressure on his job grew further as they were knocked out of the FA Cup at home to Southampton.

The Saints took a two-goal lead before Salomon Rondon got a goal back but it wasn’t enough as the Baggies went down 2-1.

West Brom quartet Jonny Evans, Gareth Barry, Jake Livermore and Boaz Myhill issued an apology on Friday relating to ‘an incident’ during a mid-winter training camp in Spain, which is being investigated by the club, with the Baggies also sitting seven points adrift of safety at the foot of the Premier League table.

“I didn’t think we were great in the first half after a week of not what you would have really wished for, but we pushed Southampton in the second half,” Pardew told BBC Sport. “Then we get a great goal and there was a grandstand finish. But it defines our season, we know what to do now.

“It’s been difficult but in terms of experience on the pitch and attitude and reaction, I was pleased. It was a difficult day for the players, we gave a good account of ourselves and we are slightly unfortunate.”

On the decision to name Gareth McAuley as captain, replacing Evans for today, Pardew added: “We changed the captaincy to Gareth because that was the right thing to do. I have to get wins and I made a decision I thought was right.”

On his future at the club. he continued:”It’s not a decision for me, but in terms of the character the team showed… and the fans, who were magnificent and showed loyalty. We have to show our loyalty this week and get a result in the league.”