Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias has suggested that the club has no intention of parting company with manager Alan Pardew.
Reports emerged this morning claiming that the former West Ham United coach's future is not in doubt following talks between Pardew, Llambias and owner Mike Ashley.
"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," Llambias told the club's official website. "Our discussions on Wednesday were very constructive and we pinpointed a number of factors that contributed to a season which fell below expectations.
"We are now looking forward and are entirely focused on the forthcoming campaign, with the expectation of at least a top-ten finish in the Premier League.
"There has been a great deal of speculation in recent weeks but our desire, as we announced back in September, is to bring long-term stability to this club. 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."
The Magpies finished 16th in the table, five points adrift of the relegation places.
Danielle Joynson
