Dick Advocaat declines chance to clarify Sunderland future

Dick Advocaat has declined an invitation to commit his future to Sunderland beyond Saturday's game against West Ham.

Newspaper reports on Friday suggested Advocaat will quit if Sunderland - bottom of the table with just two points from seven games - are beaten at home this weekend.

The 68-year-old, who this summer reversed his retirement to sign up for another year on Wearside, told his pre-match press conference stories that had appeared in the last 24 hours were not true.

But he later said: "I always think in facts and the fact is it is now Friday and I am the manager of Sunderland, and I am the manager of Sunderland tomorrow as well.

"What will happen on Sunday or a week on Sunday or nine months after Sunday, then I will tell you real story, but now I'm still here and nothing has changed."

Advocaat last month said he would walk away from Sunderland if he felt there was a better man for the job but added he was "very far" from doing so.

Reminded of those comments he said: "I told you that when I feel it's the time to do something then I will do that, and today is not the time to do something.

"For me the most important thing is to discuss what is happening tomorrow and that is the reason I am here - not maybe what will happen tomorrow or a week tomorrow or in nine months' time."

Advocaat was then pushed to clarify his position but would not confirm he will still be in charge next week, saying: "The fact is I am here and tomorrow I am here, but what happens after that is the same as for all the managers - everything can change in a day or a week or nine months."

And the Dutchman, pressed further at a briefing with the written media, went on to cut short his press duties.