IAIN MACINTOSH: Pardew back in firing line

Newcastle United’s supporters are approaching critical mass.

What began as a ‘small step backwards’ for an over-achieving club has, over the course of this miserable season, become a head-first tumble down the stairs.

Even if relegation is avoided, and with a trip to Loftus Road on the horizon you’d think it would be, it is clear that something has gone horribly wrong at St James’ Park.