Will Mike Ashley call time on Pardew at Newcastle?

Alan Pardew's hot seat at Newcastle is glowing bright red

Alan Pardew has a very long contract and some might say a very short fuse. He kept his job last season but can he keep it this? Alex Johnson looks into it.

Saturday's embarrassing defeat at Southampton has prompted intense speculation over the future of Newcastle manager Alan Pardew.

Without a win in their opening four Premier League games and now bottom of the table, owner Mike Ashley must surely be contemplating his next move?

Pardew is the odds-on favourite to be the next Premier League boss to lose his job, but can he survive?

Even by Pardew's standards, these are testing times.

This is Newcastle's worst start to a Premier League campaign since Graeme Souness was at the helm in 2005.

The manner of Saturday's defeat to Southampton at St Mary's was alarming.

Newcastle's defending was compared to that of a poor Sunday League team by commentators and Pardew could not defend his team in the aftermath of the loss.

There was a total lack of communication across the back four and at times they looked as if they had never met before.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman admitted afterwards his side were determined to target Newcastle's fragility from the off.

When things are going so wrong at the back, the problems are merely intensified by an attack that has now failed to score in eight of their last 10 league outings.

These are dangerous waters for Pardew, and judging by his post-match comments, he knows it.

"All I can do until told otherwise is plan the group for next week," he told the assembled press.

Next week brings a home game against Hull City and Tigers boss Steve Bruce is one man being linked with the Newcastle post if Pardew is cast aside.

Bruce was at pains to distance himself from speculation, citing it as "disrespectful" while Pardew is still in the job.

Out-of-work bosses may be less sympathetic as they await a potential job becoming available.

David Moyes, Tony Pulis and Neil Lennon are amongst a list of names currently being touted to replace the Newcastle manager.

After Hull, Newcastle will then tackle Stoke, Swansea and Leicester.

Pardew will feel there is a chance to kick-start the season. Ashley may feel the need to wield the axe before he gets the chance.

The Toon Army have watched on as their team have won just one of 12 games in the league, losing nine times.

That frustration boiled over on Saturday as 'Pardew Out' banners were unveiled in the away end.

The knives are out for Pardew, and anything less than victory against Hull this weekend and it could be over - if he survives that long.