Allardyce cools talk of switch to Sunderland job
WEST HAM manager Sam Allardyce has dismissed suggestions he could return to former club Sunderland in the summer but admits his Upton Park future hinges on agreeing terms on a new contract.
Allardyce’s current deal expires at the end of the season and has been allowed to run down despite engineering what has been, despite a recent slump, a marked improvement in results and entertainment.
Sunderland, who visit the Hammers tomorrow, named Dick Advocaat their new boss on Tuesday after sacking Gus Poyet, but the experienced Dutchman has only signed a short-term agreement and could be gone in June.
“Pure speculation,” said Allardyce, of links to the club he once served as a player. “I’m West Ham manager and I’m contracted to West Ham and don’t expect anything other than somewhere along the line we’ll be talking about a contract here.”
Pressed on whether he would still be in charge next season, he said: “If that contract is right, yes.”
West Ham are seeking a first win in nine, yet lie 10th in the Premier League and need just one point to equal their tally from last season.