Allardyce still in dark about West Ham future

Sullivan this week made public his disappointment at West Ham's form

Allardyce is out of contract in the summer, leading to speculation over his long-term future at the east London club (PA)

Sam Allardyce has yet to discover whether he will remain West Ham United manager next season, but he is planning ahead regardless.

Allardyce is out of contract in the summer, leading to speculation over his long-term future at the east London club, who are set for a move to the Olympic Stadium next year. However, despite the uncertainty surrounding his position, he will remain ever professional until told otherwise.

“We sat down yesterday and began to plan for next season, when we’re coming back for pre-season, where we’re going to go and who we’re going to play. It’s not fully evolved yet but the plans are in place,” Allardyce said.

“No, I don’t [know if I am going to be at West Ham next season], but when you are contracted to a club you do the job that you’re paid to do, one of those roles is to plan for next season.”

Co-owner David Sullivan this week made public his disappointment at West Ham’s recent form, a situation which Allardyce accepts and is determined to put right, starting at home to Stoke today, with striker Enner Valencia fit again after his toe injury.

“The reality is there is a difference between the performances and the results. Having said that the bottom line is winning and getting results and we haven’t done enough of that recently,” he said. “We’re all disappointed in the last few results and I accept that.

“I have to emphasise results because we’ve come close to winning some major games of football. We have to look at the season as a whole, not just a few games and I think overall it’s been terrific, it’s been very exciting.”