Alan Pardew has defended his position in the wake of a string of reports suggesting he could be facing the axe.
West Ham's recent string of poor results - three defeats and one draw from their last four games - has lead to much speculation over Pardew's immediate future.But the beleaguered Hammers boss came out fighting today, as he hit back at those suggesting he should become the the third manager in four years to get the push at Upton Park.
Talking to Sky Sports this lunchtime, and when questioned on his own future, Pardew said:
"It's not for me to say if I will be fired. But I don't think I will.
"I have got a contract for another two years and I believe in my ability. I didn't take this team down; I inherited a team that had immense problems and those facts are only really known to me, the chairman and the chief executive.
"We've had a lot of problems here as most of the clubs that come down do. There's a lot of managers come and gone since I've been at this club, but I've brought a lot of young players here and some of their inexperience has cost us this year.
"Some have been terrific; they don't all work out for you but ultimately we've got a good club here. The problem we have at the moment is the trust between the fans, myself and the team - and the only way you can rebuild that trust is with results and we need to improve them."
And when pressed on whether the board had given him any immediate targets, Pardew replied:
"I haven't asked for nor been given any assurances. I've got two years after this year. We still have a chance of getting promoted and my focus is firmly on that; to get us in the play-offs first because we're far from that, and then to win it."
"I have taken over and feel this club needs to be built from the bottom upwards. But it won't happen quickly."
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