Pardew set for record deal

Alan Pardew is set to become the highest paid manager in West Ham United's history.

Pardew - who joined the Hammers two years ago this month - is set to land a new £1m-per-year plus bonuses deal after steering the Hammers back into the Premiership, according to reports.

Speaking yesterday, Pardew confirmed that preliminary talks had already been held:

"There have been some discussions regarding a new contract," he said.

"I love it here at West Ham and have no intention of managing any other club - so I hope that it can be sorted out quickly."

Pardew also added that despite a turbulent first year in charge in which he was forced to administer the sale of players such as Mchael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and David James he now felt very much at home in East London.

"Everbody here has been very supportive and I feel that West Ham is a part of me," he said. "I am a South London boy by birth but now regard myself as an Eastender.

"I know how the club works and what the fans expect. For any manager to be in a strong postion you need to earn the respect of the fans.

"Winning that respect has been one of the highlights of my career - because they are a knowledgable crowd here."

The news has been greeted positively by supporters who overwhelmingly back Pardew since he took the Hammers back into the top flight by virtue of beating Preston in last seasons play-off Final at the Millennium Stadium.