Pards Pleased With Pre Season Performances

Last updated : 13 July 2002 By Rob Cooper
Royals boss Alan Pardew made his first appearance on the touch line of the season during Saturday's 2-0 win over Whyteleafe. The former Crystal Palace player missed the friendlies in midweek as he was attending a soccer coaching pro course at Warrick University.

Fresh from his earlier exploits Pards is ready to pick the coaching baton back up, having handed it to assistant boss Kevin Dillon for the past week. The three-times Division Two Manager of the Month Award winner will lead his team to Bavaria later this month on a pre-season tour, stepping up preparations for Reading's first game in Division One for five years on August 10th.

Following the victory over Whyteleafe Alan Pardew told BBC Radio Berkshire: "You set certain goals in pre season and four victories in a week has achieved many of them. We have come out of them in very good nick - it's all about match practice now - we're in very good shape.

"We played well today (at Whyteleafe) and scored two goals. The team didn't play so well in the second half although the academy boys came on and did well."

"All the seniors have had over an hour of pre season football now so we know more or less where they are fitness wise. There are some players who will have to do more training than others before the start of the season, but we've identified which who.

"It won't necessarily be the players who have performed the best in pre season day that we send out on August 10th. You've got to look at the players who have performed well over the past couple of years - not the last six weeks. At the end of the day we will send out the team which we feel is best equipped to win at Derby.

"I'm very much looking forward to the German training camp in Bavaria later this month. It all came about through the Garrison in Aborfield - they've got a hotel there.

"From what I can tell the training facilities are excellent which is what is important - I'm not too bothered about the outcome of the friendly matches.

"There are a couple of team building activities planned as well - we must forge a good team spirit if we are to succeed next season.

"The players can't wait for the start of the season. Even those who have played in the First Division before are excited about it. We've sold 6,700 season tickets already which is great - but I want 8,000 so if you haven't got one already make sure you get one. We need a full stadium to give ourselves every chance to do well.

"With 24,000 people filling our ground we'll give anybody a good game!"