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Pardew Aims For Magnificent Seven
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew is taking things one game at a time as United look to record their longest winning run in 19 years
By Steven Back
Alan Pardew is taking things one game at a time as Newcastle United look to record their longest winning run in 19 years at Upton Park on Saturday.
Travelling to face a resurgent West Ham United - Pardew's former club - in the Barclays Premier League (3pm kick-off), Pardew is relishing trying to win a seventh game on the bounce in all competitions.
"I'm purely thinking about West Ham on Saturday, and let's see how we go there," said Pardew, responding to a question about their impressive recent form.
"What you are talking about - seven wins - hasn't happened since 1995 at this football club (United won eight games in a row between September and October 1995).
"That's a long, long time for a club of this magnitude. So it's a great target for us but West Ham are going to have something to say about that.
"It is a tough place to go. I used to manage West Ham so I know that stadium better than most. It will be a tremendous atmosphere on Saturday."
Sam Allardyce has changed the fortunes of the Hammers this season following a flurry of smart summer signings including Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate.
The experienced former Newcastle manager has lifted the Hammers up to sixth place in the top flight, with a recent six-game unbeaten run only coming to an end last weekend against Everton.
And with firsthand knowledge of some of the squad from his tenure at West Ham, and those who have left Newcastle over the years, Pardew is under no illusions it will be a hard game.
"Sam's squad is pretty deep and he's got some very good players - guys I have been in and around so know them very well," said the boss.
"Mark Noble, Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan in particular - they are all fit, and James Collins is good player, so make no bones about it it's a tough call for us.
"They're just below us by one point, they are on a great run themselves and probably made the best transfers of the summer, I thought.
"They've brought the team forward massively and are in a very strong position this season so it'll make for a really good game.
"Their signings this summer have been terrific and it's given Sam more options then he's had before at that football club. I think they're in for a strong season as he's a first class manager."