Pardew remains in charge of Saints

Southampton manager Alan Pardew will still be in charge at St Mary's next season.

Pardew's position has come under scrutiny with club owner Markus Liebherr reportedly unhappy Saints did not reach the play-offs - they finished seventh despite starting the season with a 10-point penalty for entering administration.

But chairman Nicola Cortese held talks with Pardew on Wednesday and has now moved to end the speculation surrounding the former West Ham boss.

"In recent days, there has been much speculation about the position of our first-team manager, Alan Pardew," Cortese told the club's official website.

"This speculation could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to unsettle both the club and Alan. Without exception it has been ill-informed.

"I have completed a thorough review of the first team with Alan and we are clear and agreed on our plans and objectives for the coming season.

"Everyone at the club will now be working hard to prepare for a critical new season in which expectations across the fans, our staff, the management and the owner will be high - mine and Alan's included."

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