Pardew ‘Sorry’ To Dowie

Alan Pardew has apologised to Iain Dowie for revealing that Crystal Palace striker Andrew Johnson features on his wanted list.

Dowie took exception to Pardew’s comments and said: ‘I’m surprised West Ham have come out and said they’re interested when they haven’t spoken to me first.

‘I would never say I was interested in a player if I hadn’t spoken to his manager. But AJ won’t be leaving during the transfer window. I’ve had a discussion with (chairman) Simon Jordan, and AJ won’t be going in January – end of story.’

Pardew: ‘There are lots of names being thrown at me every week and this was just a misunderstanding. I got asked a question – would I be interested in Andrew Johnson?

‘I said I would be interested in any quality player who becomes available in the window. I did make a mistake in mentioning Andrew Johnson’s name – which I shouldn’t have and I apologise to Iain and everyone at Palace if I have upset them.

‘I know Iain very well and I certainly don’t want to upset or disrupt his plans for the season.

‘But at the same token I am looking to make West Ham a better team.

‘Everyone knows I am in the market and with the very, very good base I have got here I am only looking for top quality now.

‘Bobby Zamora, Teddy Sheringham and Marlon Harewood have all been terrific for us this season. It is a great trio for us and it will be hard to find someone better than that.

‘We are just interested in a player that becomes available, whoever that may be.’