According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Mike Ashley wants former Toon boss Alan Pardew to take over as manager if his proposed takeover bid at Reading succeeds
He reports that Ashley is preparing a ‘rescue deal’ that could see him take control of Reading; who are currently bottom of League One and in a financial mess following relegation from the Championship.
Ashley has previously failed with a takeover bid at Derby since selling Newcastle two years ago, but may look to take advantage of the Royals’ financial issues under current owner Dai Yongge following multiple points deductions.
It’s thought Pardew – who both played for and managed Reading – is keen to get back into coaching in England since leaving West Brom in 2018, although it’s unclear whether he would be willing to work under Ashley again and walk into such tough circumstances at Reading.
The 62-year-old has had spells at ADO Den Haag, CSKA Sofia and Aris Thessaloniki over the past four years, leaving the latter by mutual consent in February after just six months with the Greek side.
