In December 2010, Newcastle manager Mike Ashley took the football world by surprise when he appointed Alan Pardew on an eight-year contract as manager.

Almost four years on, Pardew is still clinging on to his job despite wild swings in form over recent seasons and the small matter of headbutting Hull City's David Meyler last year.

But with the Magpies bottom of the table after a stunningly inept performance against Southampton on Saturday, fans want Pardew out sooner rather than later.

But it seems that Ashley is still steadfastly backing his manager against those who want him drop-kicked out of the North East.

Colin Young echoed that perception when the North-East football writer spoke to us about the situation tonight.

"My understanding is that as long as Newcastle's Premier League status is not in peril and as long as they're safe, Pardew is safe mainly because he's Ashley's man," said Young who also spoke to the feud between Newcastle and some media publications and the ownership issue.

Pardew has little say in the players that are signed and he seems to get on with it, regardless.

"From that point of view, he's the perfect man for Ashley to have in charge, hence the suggestion at the weekend and beyond that, that he is in fact Ashley's puppet in the regime." 

Listen to the full interview below