Former Coventry City defender Sam Allardyce will keep his job as manager of West Ham United for next season even if the Hammers do not get promoted this season.
Speaking after West Ham's 4-2 defeat to Reading, Hammers Vice Chair Karren Brady told Radio 5 Live: "Yes he will still be in charge next season - definitely.
"[Chairman] David Sullivan wanted Sam - they have a very good relationship.
"Obviously the Reading defeat was difficult for everybody.
"We were hoping to win but we certainly haven't given up the prospect of automatic promotion or promotion, if we have to, through the play-offs.
"That is still our number one target for this season."