• Capital One Cup

Pardew: League Cup 'lowest priority'

ESPN staff
September 26, 2012
Alan Pardew's Newcastle are fighting on four fronts once again this season © Getty Images
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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is eager to cement his legacy on Tyneside by ending the club's 43-year wait for a major trophy, but he admits the Capital One Cup is some way down his list of priorities for this season.

Pardew is convinced his side have what it takes to secure an upset in the Capital One Cup against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, as he targets a Wembley appearance to back up his hugely impressive record as Newcastle manager.

He admits last season's FA Cup fourth round defeat at Brighton is 'the most disappointing since he has been in charge of Newcastle', so he will be aiming to end his cup woes in the outstanding tie of the League Cup third round.

"Anybody who knows me will tell you I am desperate to win something, and I think I have got a team that potentially can do that," Pardew said. "This club have waited a long time for a trophy and it would be great to give our amazing fans that reward.

"It's going to be tough for us to win the Premier League title because we are up against clubs owned by sovereign states. They have finances way, way above us, so getting into the Champions League is a more realistic prospect for us.

"It we are being honest, getting into the top four is our first target, followed by the FA Cup, then Europa League and then the League Cup. That said, I'd be delighted to win any of those competitions."

Newcastle are set to be boosted by the return to fitness of Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tiote at Old Trafford, but Pardew is planning to rest a host of players ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Reading.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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