Alan Pardew says he's ready to return to management after six months out

Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says he is ready to return to football. Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says he is ready to return to football.

Alan Pardew admits he has held talks aimed at returning to management and says he's ready to take another job in the Premier League.

The 55-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by Crystal Palace in December less than seven months after he had taken them to the FA Cup final.

Pardew would not reveal which clubs he has spoken to but concedes the nature of management means he is prepared to take advantage if someone vacates a position.

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "As a manager, you have to wait for that phone call to come and then you have to make a decision whether the project's going to be right.

"You don't want people to get the sack but unfortunately when you're out of work you have to keep an eye on things and see where the course is going.

Pardew was replaced at Crystal Palace by Sam Allardyce but he surprisingly quit at the end of the season

"It will be a big year for the Premier League this year. There's big money in it so it has to be spent wisely.

"People will be looking and there will be mistakes made so hopefully I can come and help when that happens. There are a couple of people I've spoken to but nothing just as yet."

As well as Palace, Southampton - another of Pardew's former clubs - are looking for a new manager after Claude Puel was sacked earlier this month.

Both sides appear content to take their time to select the right replacement, with Palace now without a boss for the last month following Sam Allardyce's surprise resignation.

With the start of the new season on August 12 edging ever closer, Pardew insists it is vital each team now moves quickly to make appointments.

Claude Puel was dismissed by Southampton despite leading them to the League Cup final and an eight-place finish in the Premier League

He added: "Both of those clubs will be looking to secure their managers very quickly, if not the next week or so. Those plans (for the new season) are really extensive now.

"Pre-season programmes are scientifically-based and you need to get it all narrowed down. It's very important the manager is leading that."

Newcastle - who Pardew managed for four years before his move to Selhurst Park - will be part of the top flight once again when it begins after their promotion from the Championship.

A late surge and Brighton's surprise collapse resulted in the St James' Park side winning the title and Pardew expects that to give them a platform in the months ahead.

Newcastle are back in the Premier League after their Championship title success last season

He said: "In Rafa (Benitez) they've got a very experienced manager. He knows the world market so you'd like to think he'll do well in the transfers.

"For the fans, it's where they belong. They don't belong anywhere else. They got out of it last year and managed to win it right at the end which was brilliant.

"They need that momentum now to carry into the Premier League. I think they will do well."