Alan Pardew: 'We must stand and deliver against Hull,' says struggling Newcastle manager

Pardew's position is under serious threat

A SackPardew.com sign visible at St Mary's on Saturday (PA)

Under-fire Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has called on his entire staff to stand and deliver in Saturday’s vital Premier League game with Hull at St James’ Park.

Fans behind the SackPardew.com campaign plan to distribute 200 banners and have made 15,000 A4-sized cards calling for the manager’s removal.

Newcastle have not won this season in the league and calls for Pardew’s removal have increased, but the club owner, Mike Ashley, has stood by the man he appointed almost four years ago.

The Evening Chronicle, the Tyneside newspaper banned by the club, asked the question today: “Is Pardew the most unpopular Newcastle manager ever?”

Saturday’s game with Hull City could prove make or break and Pardew admitted: “I don’t know about patience, this is a time to stand up and deliver. As a group and individually we’re better than that [how they played in the 4-0 defeat at Southampton], and I take responsibility for that.

“It was a heavy defeat. It was a tough day for our fans, a tough day for the team and a tough day for me.

“Saturday is an important game for us because we’ve had a difficult start.”