West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce doesn't expect to lose his No2 Neil McDonald.
Allardyce wrote in the London Evening Standard: "There has been some talk this week that Neil McDonald, my assistant manager, could be leaving to join Carlisle United as manager although I'm not so sure he will.
"If there is an opportunity in management or to better yourself, then I would always encourage my staff to explore things and come and have a chat about it. Macca was successful when he had a spell as manager there before and he obviously fancies the hot seat of management again at some time.
"There's nothing wrong with that at all because, when there are only 92 jobs in the country, the opportunity may not come around too often, especially when there are more than 5,000 people with full qualifications all looking for jobs.
"The good thing is that last time Neil (left) had the offer from Carlisle, he was out of work. This time it's different so he doesn't need to take it unless everything is right for him and his family."
