Alan Pardew Starts Smiling

Talking to Saints OS he seemed at ease and more contented than after the Farnborough game. The joy of winning heightening the pleasure of seeing some of our younger players do well.

After two games with plenty of youth involved, Pards now hopes to field a much stronger game for the Visit of Reading to St Mary's.

Hopeful that he will be able to field an almost full first team squad, Alan said that now it is time to up the levels.

'I need players in form and Lallana hasn't seen a lot of games, so we can't say he is in form.' He continued by saying that Puncheon was good but he has missed the last couple of games and needs a game.

Alan admitted that tonight he was pleased as he had blooded a couple of the youngsters. He thought that they showed well and did well in an awkward place to come and play.

Talking about the players he said how pleased he was with the performance of the two young centre backs. They were terrific he told the OS as he went over the game.

Darren Carter also got a good word and did well as Alan said that not many senior players in his position would have come and played with the effort and commitment that he showed.

Alan gave a big clue as to Danny's prospects of getting a contract and overall I would be pleased to see him join with a full contract.

Ben Reeves came on for another cameo role and again got selected for praise. He is one that along with Martin and Racine will soon be pushing for a first team place in my opinion.

The only negative that came from Alan was when he talked of Oxlade-Chamberlain. He was slightly disappointed but added that the boy just needs to find more consistency.

Talking about transfers Alan did say that he still hopes to bring in a couple before the season starts.

The vibes are good and the feelgood factor is still alive and kicking.

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