Pardew To Strenghten The Squad?

Last updated : 19 August 2002 By Rob Cooper
Alan Pardew
Alan Pardew
Alan Pardew has suggested that he will be looking to strenghten the squad before the transfer deadline on August 31st.

After three Division One games the Royals find themselves in fifteenth place with just three points on the board.

Reading manager Pardew wants to strengthen is defence, at present the only available centre-backs are Adie Williams and John Mackie, Phil Parkinson, a central midfielder, is the only available back-up.

After not signing anyone over the summer months, Pards is looking to purchase. Last week some competition was added to the goalkeeping area with the signing of Marcus Hahnemann.

The Royals boss told readingfc.co.uk: "We know what we're about. I think I need to strengthen the squad, that's an area we'll have to look at over the next two or three weeks when the transfer window comes in because certainly defensively I haven't got enough cover."

Rumours last week suggested that Alan Pardew wanted to add legendry former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne to his squad.