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Some might have expected Newcastle manager Alan Pardew to be dismissed after headbutting Hull City's David Meyler.

But the former West Ham boss hung onto his position, accepting a seven game FA ban.

However since then results and performances have dipped alarmingly. Although they are still ninth in the Premier League table, the Magpies are on a six-game losing run and that has sparked speculation that Pardew's days in the St James Park hot seat are numbered.

To analyse the situation, we were joined on the line by North East correspondent Colin Young who believes the situation is up in the air.

"It's hard to tell. [Owner] Mike Ashley is well known for having an end of season review and there's obviously quite a lot of material for him to pour over this summer. It's difficult because this is an owner who is unlike any other in the Premier League. Does he appreciate that Pardew's hands have been tied by him and his transfer policy?" said Young, who added that results may swing Ashley's decision in the wake of the headbutt incident.

He believes that Ashley's seasonal target is a Top 10 finish - without Europa League qualification - and despite their dire form, Newcastle are still on track for that for now.

Young also detailed the position of the club vis a vis Ashley's plans for Newcastle given previous plans to sell up.

And Young also touched on the situation at Sunderland who have given themselves a good chance of staying in the Premier League.