LAWRIE McMenemy fears Alan Pardew could end up leaving Saints if chairman Nicola Cortese does not get “right behind” his manager.

The Saints legend believes Pardew’s achievements this season will mean “he will be in demand” from other clubs seeking a new boss.

McMenemy has urged the entire club to make Pardew aware they do not want to lose him.

His comments come in the wake of a national report suggesting Pardew’s job was at risk because Cortese was unhappy at failing to make the League One play-offs.

“I just think he (Pardew) needs to be assured by everybody that they are right behind him,” said McMenemy.

“The supporters have already done that.”

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