SAINTS chairman Nicola Cortese has finally broken his silence and revealed he plans to keep Alan Pardew as manager for next season.

Cortese has today responded to widespread speculation, which initially appeared in the national media, that Pardew's job was under threat.

It was also broadcast on BBC Radio Solent at the weekend that a source close to Markus Liebherr had said the Saints owner was not at the final game of the season because he was unhappy at the progress that had been made.

That report further suggested a meeting would be held to resolve the situation, with Pardew and Cortese initially rumoured to have been meeting for crunch talks on Wednesday.

However, despite repeated attempts by the Daily Echo to contact Saints this week in a bid to clarify the matter, the club have refused to answer or return any calls.

But Cortese has now broken cover and revealed he met with Pardew yesterday and discussed plans for next season, indicating that the manager’s job is safe.

"Yesterday I completed a thorough review of the first team with Alan and we are clear and agreed on our plans and objectives for the coming season," he said.