Sunday 21 September 2014 12:38, UK
Alan Curbishley says Newcastle owner Mike Ashley could continue to back under-fire manager Alan Pardew in spite of growing unrest from the club's fans.
Pardew, whose position has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, looked to have been pushed closer to the exit as Hull powered into a 2-0 lead in the second half in Saturday’s game.
But two late goals from Papiss Cisse spared Pardew's blushes and secured a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park. Despite picking up a point, Newcastle remain in 18th place in the league table.
The Magpies have now failed to win a league game in their last 13 outings and of the last 28 Premier League managers to lose their job, all had a better record than Pardew.
Sky Sports expert Alan Curbishley told Match Choice that the club’s owner Mike Ashley could continue to back Pardew despite protests from fans.
He said: "Being in the bottom three for Newcastle is unacceptable and I think the quicker he gets out of there the better it’s going to be for him.
He’s given Alan Pardew a long-term contract and apart from then end of last season and the start of this season I think he’s delivered on what he’s been asked to do.
"Mike Ashley has been strong; he’s backed Alan Pardew especially after the head-butting situation last season and the more the fans complain and remonstrate I think Mike Ashley might decide to go the other way.
"He’s given Alan Pardew a long-term contract and apart from the end of last season and the start of this season I think he’s delivered on what he’s been asked to do.
"He’s been asked to cut the wage bill, he’s been asked to sell players when big bids come in, and sell younger players for the resale value, but being in the bottom three has put him under enormous pressure."
Undercurrent
"Ever since Mike Ashley has been at the club there’s been an undercurrent with the fans – he’s not been quite accepted even though he came in and saved the club from financial ruin really.
"There’s been an undercurrent ever since the pair got together but on the main I think Alan Pardew will look at what he’s achieved at the club – that great season where they finished in the Europa League positions - but where they’re at at the moment, I think the longer they stay in that bottom three the more Alan will be under pressure.”
