By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Saturday will see Alan Pardew head back to where it all began, as Newcastle travel to the Madejski Stadium to take on Reading.

The Royals handed Pardew his first job in management in 1999 - having previously had two stints as caretaker boss - and he went on to transform their fortunes, leading the Berkshire-based club to automatic promotion from Division Two three seasons later.

Having almost secured back-to-back promotions, he moved on to West Ham and then Charlton and Southampton, before being appointed United boss in December 2010.

Pardew knows he is likely to receive some stick this weekend from the home fans who used to chant his name, but admits he is looking forward to his return.

"It will be tough," said the Magpies' boss.

"I'm kind of the pantomime villain down there for leaving the way I did.

"But since that time I've more than made up with the owner, who gave me my start (in management). So I've a lot to thank him for, John Madejski.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him and hopefully getting a positive result, which will be tough because it's a tough place to go, trust me.

"I know there are some very good players there and a great staff.

"Brian McDermott is a great manager. He's funny, but don't underestimate him through that that he's a great manager."