Former Crystal Palace player and coach Alan Pardew.
Former West Ham manager Alan Pardew believes the Hammers may possess the strongest technical squad in the Championship, but has questioned whether they can match the fight, desire and physicality required to win promotion.
Speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT at Wembley during the launch of the Jersey Mike’s Trophy, Pardew compared the Championship to a “mini-war” and explained why technical quality alone will not guarantee West Ham an immediate Premier League return.
Former Championship striker Cameron Jerome also spoke to GMS about the demands of the division, whether second-tier players should represent England and the importance of the EFL Trophy.
Pardew Questions West Ham’s Championship Fight
West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Pardew watches on
Pardew guided West Ham back to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2005 and understands the unique pressure that comes with chasing promotion.
The 65-year-old believes the frequency and physicality of Championship matches make the division a completely different challenge to the Premier League.
“The difference between the Premier League and the Championship is that the turnover of the ball is a lot greater in the Championship,” Pardew told GMS.
“The game is in the balance a lot. You’re playing a league game every three days. You’re not going off to a European competition. It’s the league and it’s a fight.
“It’s almost like a mini-war, really.”
West Ham may have one of the strongest squads in the division, but Pardew believes they must prove they can cope with its physical and mental demands.
“West Ham, technically, are probably the best team,” he added.
“But have they got the fight? Have they got the desire? Can they match the physicality of the opposition? All those questions have to be answered.”
Jerome, who made more than 700 senior appearances during his career, agreed that the relentless Championship schedule creates a significant physical and psychological test.
“I definitely think playing a 46-game season in the EFL is more demanding, mentally as well as physically,” Jerome said.
“You have to play three games in a week and sometimes you might have back-to-back away games. You’re on the road and travelling constantly.
“You become accustomed to it, but the 46-game season is by far the most vigorous and strenuous.”
Jerome Backs Championship Players for England
Cameron Jerome Stoke
Jerome also believes Championship players should remain in contention for England selection, particularly younger talents who are progressing quickly and appear destined for the Premier League.
“I think there’s certainly an argument for some of the younger players,” he said.
“If there’s a player on the right pathway and the right trajectory, and they look like they’re going to move into the Premier League or to a bigger club in the near future, there’s an argument to say: ‘Do we get him involved in the setup now?’
“We’ve seen players picked from the Championship in the past, and I’m sure you’ll see it in the future as well. I definitely think there’s a place for it.”
However, Jerome suggested established internationals whose clubs have been relegated could find it harder to retain their England places.
“Players who have played in the Premier League and then been relegated with their clubs might find it harder to get back into the England setup,” he explained.
“That’s because of the level they’re playing at, while other players are performing at a higher level on a weekly basis.”
Pardew Explains the Value of the EFL Trophy
Rickie Lambert celebrates
Pardew led Southampton to EFL Trophy success at Wembley in 2010, when the club was rebuilding after entering administration and beginning its League One campaign with a 10-point deduction.
He believes that victory represented the beginning of Southampton’s climb back towards the Premier League.
“We were on minus 10 points in the league, so we were building from nothing,” Pardew said.
“We had almost gone out of business the year before, so it was massive for us to rebuild the team and come here to have a tremendous day with our fans.
“It was the start of Southampton’s climb back to the Premier League.”
Pardew’s winning side included young talents such as Michail Antonio and Adam Lallana, while Rickie Lambert also secured the first major trophy of his career.
He believes the competition remains an important bridge between academy and senior football because it tests whether young players can cope with genuine pressure.
“You see them playing tough football,” Pardew explained.
“It’s not like under-21 football, where it can be a bit passive at times. You’re looking to see whether they can cope with the added pressure of playing in the first team.
“Do they bring their natural game, or do they look tense? Some players just take to it and then you know they’re probably ready for a league game or to become a regular.”
Jerome, who lifted the trophy with Bolton Wanderers in 2023, echoed Pardew’s assessment.
“It’s a fantastic platform for younger players to gain experience and have their first introduction to men’s football,” he said.
“They play against senior players, in front of supporters and in a proper atmosphere. Can you go to Stevenage on a Tuesday night and mix it with senior players? That’s the challenge.”
Pardew Names His Most Talented Players
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Asked to identify the players who impressed him most during his managerial career, Pardew named Yohan Cabaye and Michael Carrick among the finest technicians he worked with.
He also highlighted former Southampton defender Jose Fonte as a player who improved significantly under his management.
“I would say Fonte improved considerably when I took him to Southampton,” Pardew said.
“For natural talent, I would say Yohan Cabaye, possibly. Michael Carrick was another technician and a player who could take the ball.
“I also had Dariusz Wdowczyk at Reading, who had unbelievable technical ability with both feet. You could hardly tell which was his stronger foot.”
Jerome selected John Terry and Jonathan Woodgate as the toughest defenders he faced, explaining that their intelligence made them more difficult opponents than players who relied upon pace or strength.
“John Terry’s defensive instincts were among the best, but he was also so far ahead of most strikers in his head,” Jerome said.
“Jonathan Woodgate was the same. He was always one step ahead of you and had every move covered.
“I didn’t mind someone who was physically strong or quick because I’d back myself to be stronger or quicker. It was when someone was cleverer and cuter than you that it became difficult.”
West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen claps his hands
West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen claps his hands