North-east outfit only avoided relegation on penultimate weekend of the campaign.
Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias has confirmed that head coach Alan Pardew’s job at St James’ Park is not under threat, despite the Magpies flirting with relegation from the Premier League last season, reports BBC Sport Online.
Pardew, 51, has only been in charge of the north-east giants since December 2010, when he took over from the sacked Chris Hughton in the Newcastle dug-out.
However, in his first full season at the club, he surprised everyone by guiding Newcastle to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League and within touching distance of qualifying for the Uefa Champions League.
But last campaign proved to be a much sterner test for Pardew and Co, who had to cope with the draining demands of the Uefa Europa League, which Newcastle reached the last eight in before bowing out to eventual finalists Benfica.
And that long run in Europe had an adverse affect on Newcastle’s league form, with the Magpies only managing to escape relegation to the Championship following a 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers on the penultimate weekend of the campaign.
“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.
“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.”
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