Alan Pardew admits he is being forced to draw on all his managerial experience to solve West Ham's home crisis.

But having pulled around a similar problem at Reading he is certain he can do it all over again - if the money is available.

And character will be the watchword as he looks to replace those he believes lack the guts to deliver in front of an increasingly frustrated Upton Park crowd.

"It was similar when I started at Reading," he said. "We were struggling at home and we lacked leadership and character.

"Now I have to manage the squad and try to bring that in.

"It might have been easier to do that at Reading where there weren't the same financial difficulties.

"There might be a situation here that is going to be tough for the board and the chairman to take."

Pardew also believes that he needs a different type of player from those who succeeded at the Madejski Stadium.

More on West Ham United atthe official site

Published Monday January 12, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo

Brought to you by the Evening Echo