Madejski Blasts Persistent Hammers Rumours

Reading Chairman John Madejski insists that West Ham have made no formal approach for manager Alan Pardew despite rumours suggesting he is very much in the frame for the job.

Mr Madejski believes that should any offer come in for the much-loved boss, Pardew would snub the offer as he is intent on leading the Royals to the Prem.

"To my knowledge I don't think Alan wishes to go anywhere at the present time because he's doing so well here," said Madejski speaking to the Reading Evening Post.

"We get on well and Alan gets on with the board. I really can't see him wanting to go to West Ham and there has been no contact from them.

"I'm not stupid. If a job came up in the Premiership, a position that was too good to be true, then Alan would have to consider his future, but as far as I'm concerned we have a great rapport at Reading.

Despite being a big footballing name, West Ham are no longer a better side than Reading, a move to East London certainly isn't as attractive as it was a few years ago.

Wholesale changes at Upton Park have left the new boss with a threadbare squad with which automatic promotion must be won. An unenviable task.

However, there seems to be a growing fear inside the Madejski Stadium's inner sanctums that Alan Pardew may be prepared to jump ship.

The rock (Pardew) on which Reading have built a team to challenge for the Premiership has seemed decidedly unstable in recent days. Rumours suggesting that Pards has been for an interview persist, whilst many national newspapers have reported that Pardew's name is one of two or three on Terrance Brown's shortlist.

But Madejski reckons a big move for Pardew to West Ham is unlikely.

"I would be quite surprised if Alan wanted to go there," he suggested.

"He has an important job to do here. I think he's enjoying the job at Reading – the facilities we have here are second to none. I've never been to West Ham, but I understand it’s a difficult place to get to and Alan is very settled in the area."