Speaking in a news conference before Crystal Palace's Friday night's FA Cup showdown with Reading, former Toon boss Alan Pardew said he has sympathy for the club and current manager Steve McClaren.
'Whatever I say becomes compounded. I feel for him (McClaren) and I feel for the club,' sais Pardew.
However, the Palace boss believes his side have the chance to achieve something special in this years FA Cup, but expects Reading to provide stiff opposition.
'We have a chance of winning something and that doesn't come around often - it's going to be very difficult. I don't see why I wouldn't play my strongest team, it's the quarter-final of the FA Cup! That's not even entered my mind. I'm looking forward to this game. All you can do is enjoy it.'
'It will be a tough game. It's a club and manager I know very well. They're a nice collective unity. They've got some good defensive assets and quality up the top of the pitch. I expect to see a team that next year will be pushing to get into the Premier League. This year, the cup is everything for them' added Pardew.
Source: transfermarketweb.com