Cape Town - Everton manager Sam Allardyce says he is eager to continue in his role at the club next season and is already planning for the future.
The Toffees have experienced a difficult run of form which has seen them manage only two wins in 11 Premier League games, and dropping down to 11th position in the standings.
The pressure has been mounting on Allardyce with his side in danger of being dragged back into the relegation battle. They are only seven points clear of the bottom three and will face Brighton on Saturday.
When asked if he wanted to manage the club beyond the end of the season, Allardyce said, according to Sky Sports: "Of course.
"There's tough times and there's times when you have to draw in, close the doors and stay focused on what you want to achieve.
"It's very disappointing for everybody that we've slipped to where we have slipped to after the fantastic position we put ourselves in the early stages of me walking through the door.
"I came out of retirement because there's a long-term plan at Everton that I was excited to be a part of.
"Understanding the history of Everton Football Club and the amount of mates that were here when Everton were very successful, I know all about Everton and what you have to try and achieve.
"It was an exciting prospect going forward, rather than a short-term thing. I want it to be a long-term appointment."
Kick-off is at 17:00 (SA time).