.jpg?downsize=56%3A*)
.jpg?downsize=56%3A*)
.jpg?downsize=56%3A*)
.jpg?downsize=56%3A*)
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
The Hammers dispensed with the services of Avram Grant within hours of their relegation from the Premier League last Sunday, and are currently attempting to recruit a replacement with caretaker Kevin Keen taking charge for Sunday's closing-day clash with Sunderland. By contrast, Pardew, who spent more than three years in the hotseat at Upton Park, will send his side out against West Brom at St James' Park having seen them build upon a swift return from their own fall from grace by surviving back in the top-flight with ease. It was Chris Hughton, the bookmakers' favourite for the vacancy at West Ham, who guided the Magpies back to the Premier League despite having to work with a vastly decreased budget, but crucially one which still allowed him to retain a competitive squad. Pardew said: "It's very important that the [West Ham] board is strong and that they invest, because you can't cut and cut and expect to get promoted. "Newcastle took a very strong view on that. West Ham might not financially be able to do that, but they can't cut it to the bone. "They have got to give the next manager a real chance. They are experienced people there and I think they will give the manager every chance, and I certainly hope they do so." Newcastle slashed their wage bill from around £75million to in the region of £42million as some of their bigger names moved on, but were still able to field a side which included the likes of Steve Harper, Jose Enrique, Fabricio Coloccini, Kevin Nolan and then largely unheralded striker Andy Carroll. The Hammers are likely to hold their own fire sale once the dust sets on a disastrous campaign, and Newcastle and derby rivals Sunderland have already been linked with a move for striker Demba Ba. Pardew, however, is refusing to shed any light on his targets, and particularly those who may come on to the market because of their clubs being relegated. He said: "It's very unfair when clubs get relegated. It is like piranhas feeding around West Ham." In the meantime, Pardew will concentrate only on the task of ending the campaign with a win which could see the Magpies finish as high as ninth and perhaps more importantly for their fans, above the Black Cats. The manager said: "It makes a big difference to me and I think it makes a big difference to our fans - well, I am pretty sure it does because all my staff keep reminding me that we have got that opportunity. "Steve Bruce will want to finish above us and will be looking to get a win, and I am too."
