Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has insisted that manager Alan Pardew has not lost the dressing room.
The Magpies boss has come under fire in recent weeks after seeing his side lose their last five Premier League games in a row.
When asked if the players are standing by Pardew, Williamson told The Chronicle: "Of course. This is a massive club and has a huge fanbase.
"The passion that is around the city, [criticism] is going to happen when form dips. The same players have been getting it as much as the manager.
"But it's part of the profession. We know that. We have to take it in our stride and it strengthens the resolve to prove the doubters wrong – and make sure we can have a positive end to the season."
Pardew will return to the touchline for tonight's match against Arsenal after serving a seven-match ban for headbutting Hull City's David Meyler.
Steven Toplis
