This weekend the First Division boasts a fixture of such undeniable intrigue that for the first time this season it eclipses anything that the Premier League can muster.

The unlikely protagonists are West Ham United and Reading, two teams that share two common goals.

Both are desperate to secure promotion to the top flight this term, but the root cause of this weekend's drama, is that both hope to be steered to glory by 42-year-old Alan Pardew, the seemingly erstwhile Reading manager.

Given the ambitions of both clubs and their strong performances so far this season, West Ham versus Reading would ordinarily have been a stand out fixture, but the scandal and recriminations that have built up over the last week surrounding the battle for Pardew's services has ensured that Upton Park will play host to the most anticipated match of the weekend.

Pardew had been widely tipped as West Ham's top target for their vacant manager's position following the unceremonious sacking of Glenn Roeder last month.

That speculation was borne out when West Ham chairman Terrence Brown made the first of two official approaches to Reading to speak to Pardew. However, Brown was twice rebuffed by his Reading counterpart, John Madejski.

Madejski's decision to refuse West Ham's approach, while perfectly understandable, backfired when Pardew, frustrated at being refused the opportunity to see what the Hammers had to offer, tendered his resignation in protest just three days ahead of the game at Upton Park.

In a further twist Madejski, still mindful of former manager Mark McGhee's decision to walk out on Reading for Leicester nine years ago, refused to accept the resignation and has installed Pardew's backroom staff as the management team for the West Ham game.

'I resigned for one reason only. I wanted the chance to speak to West Ham about their managerial vacancy. It was a chance I had been denied,' Pardew explained.

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

It is understood that Pardew's Reading contract included a clause allowing him to talk to Premier League clubs, but critically West Ham's relegation in May meant that, despite their credentials and aspirations, the clause was useless in this instance.

The whole sorry episode has not escaped the ever-watchful eye of the League Managers Association, who are calling for an investigation into the affair concerned that the circumstances surrounding Pardew's attempts to quit the Royals may contravene their code of conduct.

Pardew's reputation has grown since October 1999 when he assumed control of the Royals' first team after a spell in charge of the club's reserves.

Under Pardew Reading narrowly missed out to Walsall in the 2001 Second Division play-off final, before securing promotion as runners up to Brighton in the following season.

Pardew's credentials were further enhanced last season when he guided Reading to the Division One play-offs, where they lost out to eventual winners, Wolves.

The Hammers are hopeful that the situation will be resolved by a sufficient offer of compensation, and some reports suggest that Pardew will become their new manager by the beginning of next week.

Oh, yes. And the game?

Second-placed Reading are perhaps the narrow favourites going into the match by virtue of the 10 goals they have notched so far this season and the fact that they remain unbeaten.

Shaun Goater has netted four times helping them secure three wins and two draws in their opening five games - the most impressive being a 3-2 away win against Derby and a 3-0 home victory against Nottingham Forest.

However, in England keeper David James and gifted youngsters Jermain Defoe and Michael Carrick, sixth-placed West Ham boast the sort of talent that Pardew clearly yearns to be involved with and the Hammers will represent the toughest challenge Reading have faced so far this season.

Although West Ham have already suffered defeat this season and have only scored half as many goals as Reading, caretaker boss Trevor Brooking will ensure his side pose a real threat to the visitors.

And, as if it were in any doubt, Royals fans have ensured there will be a seething atmosphere at Upton Park by buying up every one of their 2,616 allocated tickets. A Boleyn Ground sell-out it surely will be.