ALAN Pardew was delighted with the performance of former England
star Teddy Sheringham, as he watched the striker captain West Ham
to a vital 2-1 win over Wigan.
Pards' front pair of Sheringham and Marlon Harewood linked up
excellently at the JJB Stadium, terrorising the Latics defence and
scoring a goal apiece to earn Hammers all three points.
"Both Teddy and Marlon did very well at Wigan," he
enthused. "Teddy links the play so well and with Marlon
feeding off him it was a good combination.
"I was delighted that Marlon got the winning goal. He had a
funny game, missed a few chances but took his goal very well and
after the penalty miss against Leicester he showed tremendous
character to come back and score at Wigan.
"As for Teddy, his ability is unquestionable, but his
professionalism as much as anything else is a credit to the game.
The Wigan match was played at a higreally h tempo and it's a
testament to his conditioning that he lasted the entire 90 minutes.
"Not only that but he was quality throughout and these last
few games he's really shown what a fantastic player he is.
"Teddy is vital to the rest of the season and keeping him fit
will be crucial to our promotion push. Just his presence around the
dressing room is tremendous, let alone his performances out on the
pitch.
"We've got a lot of young players in the squad and
for them to be learning off a player like Teddy
Sheringham is incredible."
With plenty to occupy his mind at present, Pards refuses to be
drawn on the future of the 18-goal striker, prefering instead
to ensure Teddy is at his peak for the remainder of this
season.
"Teddy is a major assest for us," he said, "and we
have him within our grasp for next season. But that's not
something we can afford to worry about just yet. There's still
plenty to do this season, starting with a vital game against
Burnley on Tuesday night, and that's what we're all
concentrating on right now.
"But Teddy is certainly doing himself no harm with
performances like the one at Wigan."
Alan Praises Vintage Teddy
4th April 2005