THE ENGINE ROOM OF FOOTBALL

ALAN PARDEW has been given another stay of execution at rock-bottom West Brom – but only because there is a dearth of credible alternatives. Doomed Pardew presided over Albion’s sixth consecutive defeat at Watford on Saturday but their improved display has earned him at least another week in charge. The Baggies manager – one win in 15 Premier League games since taking over from Tony Pulis at the Hawthorns – appeared resigned to his fate at Vicarage Road, admitting: “If the consequences are that I lose my job, that is what it is.”

But the slender margin of defeat and rebooted application of his players gave owner Guochuan Lai and chief executive Mark Jenkins enough encouragement to suspend the axe despite West Brom being eight points from safety.

And with few obvious replacements who would be prepared to come in with just nine ALEX Oxlade-chamberlain labelled Sky TV pundits

Thierry Henry and Gary

Neville as ‘a bit stupid’.

The Liverpool star is relishing his new career at

Anfield following his departure from Arsenal and was praised for his man of the match display against Newcastle. Henry had questioned the Ox’s abilities, saying: “I still don’t know what he’s good at.”

But the Kop star hit back: “I heard the comments. It’s not nice to hear from people you have worked with. I think it’s a bit stupid.”