ALAN Pardew was delighted with his side's first work-out of
the pre-season schedule in the 3-1 win over Falkenbergs FF.
The Hammers boss was particularly pleased with the performances of
three of his new signings - Paul Konchesky, Danny Gabbidon and
James Collins.
"I thought the three new lads did very well," Pards
agreed. "James Collins had a solid game in the centre of
defence and Paul Konchesky did well at left-back. He put in an
excellent cross for the second goal and I think with someone like
Matty Etherington in front of him that left-side is going to be a
strong area for us again next season.
"We tried Danny Gabbidon at right-back because last season we
only really had Tomas for that position, and Danny looked very
comfortable. "Although his favoured position is centre-half,
Danny is a very assured player and it gives us another option. If
he has a good pre-season Danny's got a very good chance of
starting the season for us."
Another player who certainly did not look out of place in something
of a compeititve match was Scottish international Christian Dailly.
Seeing more of the ball than any other player on the pitch, Dailly
turned in a combative performance, prompting Pards to reveal a
change of assignment for the player who has featured as a
centre-half for the majority of his four year stay at Upton Park.
"Christian had a good game in the centre of midfield,"
said the manager. "He's played very well there for
Scotland recently and this season we are going to be treating him
as a midfield player, using him to break up the play and give the
full-backs a chance to bomb on down the flanks.
"It means Christian's range of passing is going to have to
be high, but he turned in a very impressive performance and
hopefully he can use that as a platform to build this season.
"We have got four young guys in the centre-half positions who
we feel are good enough to cope with the challenge of the
Premiership and Christian will only be used as an emergency
defender."
Also included in the win over Falkenbergs were the two trialists on
tour - goalkeeper Juraj Bucek and striker Petr Mikolanda.
"We wanted to give the two trialists a game," explained
Pards. "We brought them on tour so that we could have a real
good look at them and it was kind of their clubs to allow them to
come with us.
"They'll work with the squad throughout our stay here and
we should know by the end of the tour whether we are going to
pursue any interest in them."
Now Pards will prepare his side for their second game against FC
Trollhättan on Saturday, but is likely to re-shuffle his pack
for the match.
"It will be a different team for the FC Trollhättan game,
but the squad is looking very strong, and it will be just as strong
a side that we put out.
"The first game was a good work out, it was a solid and
encouraging performance and there were no injuries to come out of
the game.
"Marlon scored two very good goals and all round I thought he
gave a good display.
"The tour is going well so far. The players are enjoying their
stay, but most importantly they're working hard and looking to
prepare themselves in the right way for the new season."
Pards Praises Strong Start
15th July 2005