Reading boss quits after club blocks Hammers talks

Reading today rejected manager Alan Pardew’s resignation after the Royals boss revealed he wanted to leave the club because he has been prevented from speaking to West Ham.

The 42-year-old had been targeted by the London club as successor to the sacked Glenn Roeder following their relegation from the Barclaycard Premiership.

Royals chairman John Madejski has twice denied West Ham permission to speak to Pardew, who told the Press Association today: “I wish to announce my resignation from Reading Football Club with immediate effect.

“My main issue has always been the opportunity to speak to West Ham United Football Club which has been denied to me.”

However, shortly after Pardew announced his decision, Reading released a brief statement which read: “Alan Pardew has offered his resignation as manager of Reading Football Club but that resignation has been rejected.”

Pardew stepped up from reserve team manager in October 1999 and guided Reading to the Second Division play-off final in 2001. They lost to Walsall but won automatic promotion the following season as runners-up to Brighton.

Their rapid improvement under the shrewd tutelage of the former Crystal Palace and Charlton defender continued last season and they reached the Division One play-offs, only to lose to Wolves, who went on to be promoted.

Pardew’s track record has marked him out as one of the brightest managerial prospects outside of the top flight, and West Ham soon made him their number one target following the departure of Roeder on August 24.

But Madejski, who was left furious when Mark McGhee walked out on Reading to join Leicester in 1994, claimed he was only obliged to allow his manager talk to Premiership clubs.

He said earlier this week: “The point is we have an agreement and a contract and I very much think contracts should be adhered to.

“The contract quite clearly states that if he is approached by a Premier League club that is fine but if he is approached by a Division One club then he is not allowed to go as that would be considered the opposition.”

Coincidentally, Reading visit West Ham on Saturday and Pardew revealed he now intended to stay away from the match.

“Given the forthcoming fixture on Saturday, I will be taking time away with my family over the weekend to consider my future outside of Reading Football Club,” he added.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players for all the effort they have given me and I am sure they will have continued success at the club.

“Most of all I would like to thank the fans for their support over the last six years and genuinely wish them all the success they deserve.”