Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Alan Pardew has been handed that most unwanted to monikers - the most under pressure manager in the Premier League.
A poor start to the season that has yielded two points from a possible 12 and saw Newcastle beaten 4-0 at Southampton over the weekend has seen the club drop to the bottom of the table.
Some fans who made the trip from the North East to St Mary's at the weekend even bothered to write the words 'PARDEW OUT' onto a bed sheet to make their point.
Discontent has been brewing since last season amid a dreadful run-in last term. Over the last 12 league games Newcastle have won just one, whilst they've failed to score in eight of their last 10 matches.
Memories of Pardew's head-butt on David Meyler won't go away either.
It's all led to talk that Pardew will be dismissed - but if Mike Ashley were to end his four-year reign, who might replace him? We take a look at the contenders.
Show all 10 1 /10Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? David Moyes Rather strangely, Moyes' reputation has improved somewhat since he left Manchester United. The Red Devils' poor start to the current season highlighted just how difficult the task at Old Trafford was, and revisionists could argue that perhaps he didn't do all that badly. His work over more than a decade at Everton stands the test of time and a return to management at Newcastle could be a good fit.
Getty Images
Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Steve Bruce Having got Hull City promoted back to the Premier League and then taking them to the FA Cup final last May, Bruce is steadily adding to his reputation as a manager. His previous role at Sunderland was always fraught due to his Geordie roots - but that certainly wouldn't be a problem at St James' Park. The former Manchester United defender didn't disgrace himself during spells in charge of Wigan and Birmingham either.
Getty Images
Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Tony Pulis Newcastle fans expect their side to play a certain way - and it isn't the Pulis way. When Sam Allardyce was in charge of the Magpies he was constantly given a rough time due to the tactics he employed. Pulis would bring something similar which would probably make him unpopular with fans from the get-go. However, his time at Crystal Palace where he won the Manager of the Season award last season and his ability to keep Stoke City in the Premier League shouldn't be ignored.
Getty
Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Neil Lennon The former Leicester player was highly successful during his time at Celtic - his only managerial position to date. He won three league titles and caused a few upsets in the Champions League. Has been linked with Premier League roles for some time and is currently a free agent having stepped down at the end of the last season after four years in charge.
Getty Images
Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Steve McClaren McClaren's career is difficult to judge. Performed a few miracles at Middlebrough then came the England job. Won the Eredivisie title with FC Twente, then had strange spells with Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest. It seems the 53-year-old could be back on the way up judging by Derby's solid start to the season and owing to his North East roots, could be a good option for Newcastle.
Getty Images
Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Tim Sherwood If the Newcastle fans want attacking football, Sherwood could be a decent option. During his spell in charge of Tottenham he displayed a preference for offensive teams and enjoyed a successful period. Was perhaps unfairly sacked at the end of last season when the political shenanigans at White Hart Lane got the better of him.
Getty Images
Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Michael Laudrup A more glamorous appointment that could appease the fans would be that of Laudrup. During his time at Swansea he did brilliantly, bringing in rough gems that he polished into a League Cup winning side. The style of play he instilled was impossible not to admire. The former Barcelona midfielder is currently in charge of Qatari side Lekhwiya.
AP
Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Joe Kinnear Surely Mike Ashley wouldn't - would he? Kinnear was unpopular during his previous spell in charge of Newcastle before it came to an end due to health issues. He was then made Director of Football but a few embarrassing episodes, from getting players' names wrong to failing to visibly do anything soured his standing amongst the fans further.
GETTY IMAGES
Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Paolo Di Canio The controversial Italian is just the type of character that would ensure a continuation of the Newcastle United soap opera. And that's why he shouldn't be discounted. Actually did quite well in charge of Swindon and managed to keep Sunderland afloat after being parachuted in. His controversial knee-sliding celebrations when the Black Cats won at St James' Park won't have done him any favours though, and neither will the reports of complete discontent by the end of his reign at the Stadium of Light.
GETTY IMAGES
Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager? Roberto Di Matteo Seemingly linked with every job going, remarkably Di Matteo is still yet to dip his toe back into the choppy management waters since taking Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2012. His feat with the Blues whilst caretaker manager has ensured he is a popular choice whenever vacancies come up, whilst his spells at MK Dons and West Brom weren't too shabby either.
Getty Images
Do you think Pardew should be sacked? Who should replace him? Let us know in the comments below.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies