Pardew and Allardyce back in the spotlight

ALAN Pardew was appointed as West Brom’s new head coach yesterday as Sam Allardyce was agreeing a deal to become Everton’s new boss.

The former Newcastle manager Pardew agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to replace the sacked Tony Pulis.

Pardew has been out of work since last December when he was axed by Crystal Palace – the team he will face in his first game in charge of the Baggies on Saturday.

Pardew (pictured) told the club’s official site: “I’m thrilled with the opportunity Albion have provided and looking forward to getting to work with what I consider to be a talented group of players.

“The immediate challenge will be to get the results we need to pull ourselves up the table. But I’m aware that while I’m joining one of the great, traditional clubs of English football, it is one determined to go forward in the Premier League.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to play a part in that ambition.”

The 56-year-old had widely expected to become Albion’s new manager and he takes over with the club two points above the relegation zone and winless in their last 13 games in all competitions.

The Baggies threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Newcastle on Tuesday, although Pardew was not in attendance.

He worked with the club’s sporting director Nicky Hammond at Reading and Albion made their move having been eager to appoint a manager with Premier League experience.

Pardew has previously managed Newcastle, Palace, West Ham and Charlton in the top flight.

John Carver, who was Pardew’s assistant at Newcastle, will also move to The Hawthorns as part of the backroom team.

Allardyce, meanwhile, arrived at Everton’s Finch Farm training base yesterday to thrash out the details of his deal to succeed Ronald Koeman in the hot seat.

Caretaker boss David Unsworth was in charge for last night’s win over West Ham but Allardyce will take over at the helm in time for Saturday’s game with Huddersfield.

Former England boss Allardyce ruled himself out of the running earlier this month, claiming he did not feel the Toffees were convinced he was the right man.

But, after Everton’s pursuit of Watford boss Marco Silva was met with a firm rebuttal from Vicarage Road, the club returned to Allardyce.

This will be the 10th English club managerial position of the 63-year-old’s career, with Allardyce most recently having guided Crystal Palace to safety last season.