16 Reasons Why Newcastle Have Gone From Mid-Table Mediocrity To Relegation Fodder

4. Appointment Of John Carver As Interim Head Coach

... Well at any other club, maybe. But not at Newcastle United, oh no. Instead, Carver was appointed interim head coach until the end of the season towards the end of January. Although he won his first game in interim control (3-0 at Hull City), just one other victory has followed. In total, since Carver took command for the first time on New Year's Day, Newcastle have won just twice, drawn four, and lost 12 - including nine of the last 10. In fact, Newcastle have picked up one point from their last 30 available, having failed to win since they beat Aston Villa 1-0 at St James' Park on February 28th. If Newcastle had appointed an even half-competent manager until the end of the season, from the position Pardew had Newcastle in - on 26 points after 19 games - then the Magpies would not be in relegation trouble with one match to go. The appointment of Carver was Premier League suicide - and the noose has rapidly tightened around the Magpies' neck ever since, and it could finally snap and crack on Sunday and send them down.