Sam Allardyce: 'Promotion failure will lead to sack'

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes that he will be sacked if the club are not promoted back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Allardyce succeeded Avram Grant as boss last month following the Hammers' relegation to the Championship.

"It is a massive burden on my shoulders but that's why I do the job," the 56-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek.

"It's my responsibility to get them there and if I don't I'll be sacked but I've got the experience to get the best out of the players."

The Upton Park-based club begin their Championship campaign with a home fixture against Cardiff City on Sunday, August 7.