Newcastle United boss John Carver has admitted he has no idea whether or not Mike Ashley will be in attendance for the Magpies' crucial Premier League clash with West Ham United - despite calls for everyone to "get behind the team". One of Newcastle or Hull City will be relegated on Sunday - after Sunderland secured the point they needed at Arsenal to stay up on Wednesday - and only a victory for the Magpies will guarantee their survival. Carver called for a show of unity from all supporters and everyone at the club to help push Newcastle over the finish line, yet he has admitted he doesn't even know whether the club's London-based owner will make the trip north for the pivotal match. When asked about whether the Sports Direct magnate would be in situ at St James' Park on Sunday during his pre-match press conference, Carver answered:
"To be honest, I don't really know (if Ashley will be there)... "What I will say is that before every game he has spoken to me and wished me all the best, gave me his backing 100% - and that was encouraging for me."
Carver's lack of communication with the club's owner comes despite the Magpies boss also calling for everyone to get behind the team. AshleyOut.com have planned a sit-in for after the game against West Ham, but Carver wants unmitigated support for the team from supporters during the match. The Magpies boss also said during his press conference:
"We need the supporters this weekend. Put all your differences to one side and get behind the team. "Whatever you think of me, Lee Charnley or Mike Ashley then put it to one side - the post-mortem can come after the game."
This statement highlights the disconnect between the owner and the head coach, as well as the disconnect between the supporters and the club. Newcastle need unity on Sunday, but right now the club appears to be made up of completely disparate parts... For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
