Newcastle United chairman Mike Ashley has assured manager Alan Pardew of his job next season.

After Ashley left the club's training ground in his helicopter yesterday, Pards started planning to get Toon flying high again.

He said: "There's no uncertainty about my position.

"I expect to be manager 100 per cent. It was a good lunch. Mike just comes and generally has a chat, says hello to everyone and he thanked all the players for their efforts.

"We all know it has not been our greatest season but you cannot say we've not given 100 per cent.

"We have and therefore have a better scenario next year and we all have to pull together. That was basically his message.

"Like all clubs, we will be sitting down again, discussing plans for next year."