Shaun Goater's move to Reading was based in part on his admiration for boss Alan Pardew.

Yesterday Pardew offered his resignation as an anticipated move to First Division rivals West Ham drew ever closer.

Just what the Bermudian striker thinks of the latest twist in the tale is unclear as he could not be contacted last night.

But Pardew's decision to turn his back on the Royals is bound to be a big blow to him.

"It worries me as he's one hell of a manager," the player said following the club's last game, a 3-0 win over Wimbledon at the beginning of the month. "If he goes, it'll be very disappointing as there's a lot of respect for him."

Whether that respect will be damaged by what is bound to be an acrimonious departure remains to be seen. But the first signs of a breakdown in relationships between Pardew and the Reading board emerged yesterday when the boss was relieved of first team duties shortly after having his resignation request rejected.

Pardew (42) quit because the club refused him permission to talk to the Hammers about becoming successor to the sacked Glenn Roeder. Two official approaches by the Londoners, who ironically meet Reading in the league on Saturday, met with a negative response from Reading chairman John Madejski.

"The manager, Alan Pardew, tendered his resignation, which the board has not accepted.

"For the game at West Ham on Saturday, the team will be managed by Kevin Dillon and assisted by the current management team of Brian McDermott, Nick Hammond and Niall Clark," said Madejski.

Madejski, furious when then manager Mark McGhee walked out on the club for Leicester nine years ago, has pointed to Pardew's contract which allows him to talk to Premiership clubs, but not those in the First Division.

"Alan Pardew's contract quite clearly states that, if he's approached by a Premier League club, that's fine. But if he's approached by a Division One club, he's not allowed to go as they're considered the opposition," he said earlier this week.

But Pardew told the Press Association yesterday: "I wish to announce my resignation from Reading Football Club with immediate effect.

"My main issue has always been the opportunity to speak to West Ham United Football Club which has been denied to me.

"Given the fixture, I'll be taking time away with my family over the weekend to consider my future outside of Reading Football Club," he added.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the players for all the effort they've given me and I'm sure they'll have continued success at the club.

"Most of all, I'd like to thank the fans for their support over the last six years and genuinely wish them all the success they deserve."

Goater came to Reading in the hope of delivering that success under Pardew, what happens now is anyone's guess.