Pardew: I’ve got my bags packed

ALAN PARDEW has revealed the depth of uncertainty over his position at West Bromwich by admitting he has a ‘bag-and-a-half packed’.

The manager insisted he wants to lead the club to safety, but sources have told

Sportsmail Pardew’s job could be at risk should Huddersfield win convincingly at the Hawthorns today.

Victory over David Wagner’s side is seen as crucial for West Brom’s chances but defeat and a poor display may prompt action from owner Guochuan Lai, who has already overseen a boardroom cull.

West Brom are bottom, seven points behind Huddersfield in 17th, and any increase in the gap would make staying up a bleak prospect with 10 games left after this weekend.

Pardew is determined to mount another great escape at the club 13 years after West Brom went from bottom at Christmas to final- day survival, but time is running out.

The 56-year-old signed a deal until 2020 when replacing Tony Pulis in November but

Sportsmail understands the contract has an end-of-season break clause on both sides.

Pardew took over a team who had failed to win in 12 Premier League games and, though he has improved the style, results are still poor.

He has won one of 13 Premier League games and last week’s events in Barcelona, when four senior players allegedly stole a taxi, heaped embarrassment on the club.

Insiders believe Pardew has been dealt a difficult hand with the absences of Nacer Chadli and James Morrison, and limited funds to spend in January. West Brom are also wary of more upheaval.

Pardew said with a smile: ‘Antonio Conte summed it up by saying, “You always have a bag packed”. I’ve got a bag-and-a-half packed.

‘I’m disappointed and I’m angry with what happened in Barcelona, but I’m also determined and I don’t want to leave the club. I want to give it the best go I can.

‘The spotlight falls heavily on the manager, as Jose Mourinho has found out this week, and we’re probably both hoping it’s somebody else’s turn next week.’

Pardew said he held talks with new chief executive Mark Jenkins — appointed after Lai dismissed Martin Goodman and chairman John Williams — but only about the Huddersfield game.

He said: ‘We’ve had enough going on, he’s just getting his feet under the table.

‘My job is to manage the team, he’s made that clear for me to carry on and do that.’

Pardew added he was frustrated he has not enjoyed the impact expected. ‘It’s not for the want of trying,’ he said.

‘I’ve gone into my records and used most of my repertoire but I have a few things to go.’