Pardew’s plan for Saints

Alan Pardew cannot see his side reaching the Premiership in the next three years, but has his eyes firmly set on reaching the Championship.

The ex-West Ham boss signed a three-year contract with the Saints and admitted that reaching the Premiership in that small amount of time is asking a bit much.

However, with the opening game of the new campaign just one day away, Pardew is confident of bringing Saints back to the second tier.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Pardew outlined his three year plan for the south coast outfit: “We have agreed a three year deal which doesn`t take us to the Premiership.

“I made no negotiations for the Premiership – my agent may have done but I haven`t checked – so my immediate aim under my contract terms is to get this club in the Championship and get them contending for the Premiership.

“That might be a tall order from where we are now but let`s see if that happens.”