No Christmas celebration for Alan Pardew and his players

West brom manager Alan Pardew (Far right) and his Assistant making substitution in a recent game [Photo: Reuters]

Alan Pardew has revealed he’s banned West Brom’s struggling players from a boozy Christmas party.

But the new Baggies boss, searching for his first win, treated the squad to a Christmas lunch on Thursday.

Pardew’s side have slipped to 19th in the Premier League following four months without a win. He admits he ruled out a party for his new squad when he succeeded Tony Pulis last month.

Pardew revealed: “I said to the players when I arrived I don’t think Christmas parties are appropriate in the position we’re in.

“So the staff haven’t had a party and the players haven’t had a party. But we can still have a Christmas lunch and that’s what we’ve done.”

Albion have drawn with Palace and Liverpool and lost to Swansea and Manchester United in his first four games – during which they have scored just once.

But Pardew did allow his squad to bond over a festive meal at the club’s Palm training ground on Thursday after training.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stoke, Pardew added: “Chef did a great job.

“You have to understand that players in this day and age are under constant pressure from social media and their families.

“It’s a side of the game that some players have struggled with.

“The mental side of this game has been highlighted this year in a lot of areas with a lot of players having problems and it’s our duty as managers to sometimes relieve that pressure.

“It was a nice little thing that we did. We’re not trying to be flippant, it was just a nice moment for them to come together and have a meal together.”