Pards To Ponder Starting XI

Last updated : 30 July 2003 By Rob Cooper
Alan Pardew
Alan Pardew
The Royals boss watched his side play out a bore draw with Second Division Bournemouth last night before declaring he still doesn't know which players will make it into his starting line-up on August 9th.

The likes of Nathan Tyson, Darius Henderson and Ricky Newman have all been pushing their first team credentials strongly recently having only played bit part roles last season.

With the possibility of further incoming transfers over the course of the next few days, Alan Pardew faces a real selection headache with only five or six players guaranteed starting roles at Ipswich.

Despite knowing his preferred formation, Pards admits certain players still have the chance to woo him.

Speaking about last night's game the Royals boss said: "A few staked their claim and a few have a bit to do.

"I'm not worried about the system I just want the players to be at the top of their game. A few of them were tonight. Murts looked sharp, Sidwell looked like he's on it, Shorey had a much better game, Marcus looks fine, Fozzy was sharp - so five or six of our best players are looking good and the other places are up for grabs," he added, speaking to readingfc.co.uk.

Despite several players being 'on their game' Reading put in a sub-standard first half display, allowing the Cherries to dominate the possession stakes to Pardew's disgust. The Royals manager was disappointed by the level of commitment shown by some of his players.

He added: "We didn't really put any pressure on the ball in the first half and I said to the guys they looked like a Division One side who did well last season - well done, but it's a new season now and if you stand off people they're going to look good.

"We embarrassed ourselves a little bit, but in the second half we changed the tempo got into them and should have won the game."

On Friday Pardew will have his final chance to see his team in action before the start of the new season. Reading take on Southampton in a pre-season friendly at the Madejski Stadium, kick off 8pm. For ticket information for that game Click HERE.

With only Steve Brown currently out through injury the club should have a fully fit squad for Friday's game.

To Read Reading MAD's Report On Last Night's Pre Season Draw With Bournemouth Click HERE.