The resignation of Newcastle United's managing director Derek Llambias back in June this year could still have ramifications for Pardew. When once Newcastle slumped to a spate of bad results, it was essentially Llambias who stepped in to fight Pardew's corner - indeed, he was seen as the Englishman's biggest ally. Now that he has gone, however, it would seem as though Pardew has a considerable lack of supporters left on the Magpie's hierarchical chain. Former club captain Steve Howey recently observed that Pardew is "on his own" and is being "hung out to dry" at Newcastle. Indeed, with things not going according to plan at St James' Park, there are very few figures left on Tyneside who seem willing to stand up for the ex-Southampton man, which could be crucial over these next few weeks.