MATTHEW ELLIOTT last night remained determined in the face of rampant speculation that he had no future as Penrith coach, saying he hoped to continue in the job for a decade. But his term is tipped to end today, when the club's board is expected to vote to sack him with a year left on his contract.

"I've got a three-year contract," Elliott said.

"You won't find me in the shadows, or hiding. I've got a debrief planned. My intention is to be here for another eight to 10 years."

But the under siege coach, whose team were well beaten by a below-par Manly to close Penrith's season at CUA Stadium last night, readily admitted the timing of the meeting did not look good for him.

"I was told last night, inadvertently, about the board meeting," he said.

"I don't think they're gathering to discuss spreadsheets, so I can guess the one and only topic on the agenda."

The anticipated decision by the board would cost the club a fortune at a time when the Panthers are slashing their football expenditure.

But the club appears determined to go ahead with it, and no Penrith officials were willing to deny the speculation last night.

Elliott said he had no guarantees about his future from the club management and added he was "disappointed in the way it has transpired".

He felt it unfair that accountability for the team's poor season appeared to rest solely with him.

The former Canberra coach joined Penrith with a big reputation in 2007 and would be on at least $300,000 per season.

Then there is the coaching staff he brought with him, which, like Elliott, would presumably be paid out to leave. On top of all of that would come the cost of a new coach.

Steve Kearney, the New Zealand Test coach and assistant to Craig Bellamy at Melbourne, is understood to be a target for the Panthers, but the club's successful Toyota Cup coach, Steve Georgallis, is also in the frame.

Rumours that Elliott was on thin ice at Penrith have intensified since the team's campaign for a place in the finals ended last weekend, when their loss to the Warriors left them too far outside of the top eight to be a chance. Then, on Friday night, there were reports aired during Channel Nine's coverage of games that Elliott would be sacked.

Panthers chief executive Mick Leary issued a statement in response to television reports, saying he had no idea where the rumour came from. But he has said nothing since and was coy when asked about the situation at the ground before the game.

Board member Greg Alexander, who was working on the pay television coverage of the game, was also giving nothing away.

The more fervent Penrith fans, including those who regularly discuss the team's fortunes on website forums, have not warmed to Elliott and have been critical of his team selections.

Crowds have been down, and there were only 6086 people at last night's game, the final one in Penrith colours for Rhys Wesser, Luke Rooney, Tony Puletua and Luke Priddis, who are all leaving to play elsewhere.

The club is naturally concerned about the disappointing crowds and wary of a potential backlash from sponsors if the team continues to perform below expectations next season. That is understood to be why they are prepared to consider taking a financial bath in the hope of making up the loss later, through increased attendances and sponsorships. It is also clear that some players have criticised Elliott to the management.

Elliott said he had "obviously taken responsibility for all of the things I'm responsible for". Asked who had not taken responsibility, he replied: "That's a really good question."

He did not wish to elaborate. Asked to describe his relationship with the players, he replied: "I've got a healthy relationship, but let's not be naive. There are some people who are leaving and quite often when people are leaving they're disappointed with decisions that were made. I understand that, and I think every coach goes through that."

Panthers captain Petero Civoniceva, when asked for his thoughts on the drama, said: "I'm in the dark about it, so I'll wait and see." Leary, when cornered again after the game, would only say: "Ring me tomorrow."

Manly's 18-point win means they will clinch the minor premiership as long as Melbourne do not beat South Sydney by 26 points or more at Olympic Park tonight.

MANLY 34 (D Williams 2 S Bell S Menzies B Stewart G Stewart tries M Orford 4 J Lyon goals) bt PENRITH 16 (P Aiton T Puletua N Smith tries M Gordon 2 goals) at CUA Stadium. Referee: J Maxwell. Crowd: 6,086.