McDermott pays tribute to Pardew

Reading manager Brian McDermott has hailed Newcastle boss Alan Pardew for the work he did at the Madejski Stadium nearly ten years ago, revealing Pardew brought him the club.

The 51-year old appointed McDermott chief scout at Reading back in 2000, however, Pardew's reputation soon tarnished among the Royals faithful soon after. He resigned from his post at the Madejski Stadium to take up the vacant West Ham job in 2003, despite Sir John Madejski originally denying the approach from the Hammers.

Speaking to the SkySports.com, McDermott said: 'Alan Pardew is a good friend of mine and I believe he set the identity for this club over a period of time. The tempo of the team, the passing game and work rate are second to none here and he set that trend. That's been our identity for the past 12 years.'

'Alan was the man who set Reading on course for the Premier League. I hope he gets a good reception on Saturday, but it will be what it will be. Everyone's moved on from when he left for West Ham. I loved working with him, as I did with Steve Coppell. It was never a hardship. Alan was very good for me personally and for Reading as a football club.'

Wiki page: Alan Pardew

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