Newcastle United: Alan Pardew safe in manager's role

Alan Pardew

Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias insists manager Alan Pardew's position was never under threat despite the club's difficult end to the season.

Pardew's side finished 16th, five points above the relegation zone.

But after talks with owner Mike Ashley and Llambias on Wednesday, he has been assured of his position.

"There has been a great deal of speculation in recent weeks but our desire is to bring long-term stability to this club," Llambias said.

"Everyone connected with the club was disappointed to finish where we did last season, particularly on the back of such a fantastic year prior to that.

"Our discussions on Wednesday were very constructive and we pinpointed a number of factors that contributed to a season that fell below expectations."

Former Reading, West Ham, Charlton and Southampton manager Pardew signed an eight-year contract in September last year.

He guided the Magpies to fifth place in 2012 but Newcastle only secured Premier League safety with a 2-1 win at QPR in their penultimate game of the most recent campaign.

Llambias has reiterated the importance of another top-half finish next season.

He added: "We are now looking forward and are entirely focused on the forthcoming campaign, with the expectation of at least a top-10 finish in the Premier League.

"It's up to us all now to work closely as a team to ensure next season sees us competing in the top half of the table again."