Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew set to sign new contract before FA Cup final By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 19/05/16 3:35pm
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says he will "probably" sign his new contract before the FA Cup final on Saturday. Pardew confirmed earlier this month that a new, "big" contract extension had all been agreed but he was waiting to ensure the Eagles' safety before putting pen to paper. And ahead of the his side's huge clash against Manchester United at Wembley, the 54-year-old said: "I think we are probably going to do it before the game." Pardew has only ever taken part in two FA Cup finals; once as a player with Palace when they were beaten by Manchester United in 1990, and once as a manager with West Ham in a 3-1 defeat on penalties to Liverpool in 2006.
The former Newcastle boss says he has fond memories of England's most prestigious cup that make him think of his father, but he wants his players to look back and remember that they were winners.
He said: "My memory of the FA Cup goes back a long time - to watching it on the sofa with my dad, babbling away. They were some of the few times I saw him get emotional.
"That was my introduction as a young child and then, of course, being involved at every level as a player and manager. It's been a big part of my growing up as an English person, player and professional.
"I was never lucky enough to go to a final as a kid, but things stick in my mind. In 1990 there was a great camaraderie in that group. I hope this group has the same. It brought us together and made this club to a degree.
"Although we didn't win it, it was the friendships that shone through. I'd prefer it to be as winners and that's what I'll tell the players."
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10288025/crystal-palace-manager-alan-pardew-set-to-sign-new-contract-before-fa-cup-final
