Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has vowed to keep on fighting after his side's 1-0 defeat at Stoke left them second bottom in the Barclays Premier League.
The Magpies were slow to react as Peter Crouch headed in the winner from Victor Moses' cross in the 15th minute and, once again, several Newcastle fans could be seen holding up 'Sack Pardew' signs throughout the contest.
The defeat leaves Newcastle in 19th place with just three points from their opening six matches of the season.
"It leaves us in the position where we're in the bottom three and we have to fight,” Pardew told Sky Sports after the game. “I have to fight and the team have to fight and that's what we'll continue to do until we can turn it around."
Ahead of this match Newcastle owner Mike Ashley - who the club insist was joking with the comment - said Pardew would be "finished" if it ended in defeat.
Pardew said he would be have discussions with Ashley later this week.
"I think [himself and owner Mike Ashley] we'll have some serious conversations before Saturday because he doesn't want to lose and nor do I," he said.
"I think it's important I show to the team that I'm here to lead the team.
"I've never really been in this situation before. It's a bit unique, but I'm a professional football manager, that's what I do and that's what I'll continue to do."
