Archive
Pardew's Home Comforts
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew is looking forward to the rarity of a home domestic cup tie, as Leeds United come to Tyneside on Wednesday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Alan Pardew is looking forward to the rarity of a home domestic cup tie, as Leeds United come to Tyneside in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.
Only once since taking charge of the Magpies in December 2010 has Pardew been given a home draw in a domestic cup - against Blackburn in the FA Cup in January 2012.
In contrast, Newcastle have been on their travels eight times in the cups during that spell; a range of stadiums and divisions from Stevenage to Scunthorpe, and Manchester United to Morecambe.
After experiencing the buzz of evening kick-offs at St. James' Park during the Europa League last term, Pardew cannot wait to get his side out under the floodlights once more.
And he is determined to progress and match the fans' ambitions by lifting a trophy.
"It's nice because we've had some really tricky away ties in domestic competitions since I've been manager of this Club," he explained of the draw against Leeds.
"But we had a little taster at home last year in the Europa League of what a night fixture is like here.
"They were brilliant nights and with Leeds bringing 5,000 fans and being the club they are, it's going to be a really good occasion.
"Our fans want to win a trophy, go to Wembley and see some silverware. And so do I, trust me. I've come very, very close before and I want to win something."
Pardew worked with opposite number Brian McDermott when manager of Reading and the pair have remained close since those days in Berkshire more than a decade ago.
However, friendships will go out of the window for 90 minutes on Wednesday night as Newcastle look to make it into the next round of the cup.
"I know the manager well - he is a friend of mine - and they are on a tricky run at the moment," said Pardew.
"For them, this is a big game. It puts them back in the spotlight.
"They are a fantastic club with a history as big as ours and therefore it is a Premier League club which is outside of it at the moment.
"I hope Brian McDermott gets them back but on this particular night we want to put them out."
Tickets for Wednesday night's Capital One Cup tie against Leeds are still on sale, and to secure your seat, click here