Pardew Offers Hand Of ‘Friendship’

After the debacle earlier on this season where Mr Wenger refused the handshake at the end of the 1-0 defeat at Upton Park, Alan Pardew looks to resolve the situation at Arsenal meets Pardew’s new club Charlton at Ashburton Grove on Tuesday night.

The rather embarrassing moment came after Pardew allegedly encroached into the Arsenal technical area whilst celebrating a late Marlon Harewood winner, an action that Wenger took personally.

Pardew says that he won’t be changing his ways for anyone, but will shake the hand of the Arsenal manager and draw a line under the whole nasty incident.

I have been accused of over-exuberance in the past, with my celebrations – I’m up in court for that! I like to be close to the action, because I like to feel the game. I think it’s important to get a sense of what the players are feeling.’ said Pardew

‘Some managers think it might be for some other reason, but I genuinely want to feel what they’re feeling on the pitch. The atmosphere can be different 15 yards from the edge, compared to right on the edge.’

‘I’ll just do my normal thing on the sideline, trying to urge my team on, trying to get a feel for what’s going on tactically – right close to the action, rather than sitting in the stand, where I never really feel comfortable.’

‘That’s where I’ll be. As for my record and reputation against Arsenal, there’s no problem on my side. I’ll go and shake his [Wenger’s] hand before the game and wish him well, but I hope my team win.