League Managers' Association chief executive John Barnwell has described suggestions Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is under pressure as "insane".

After just 12 Barclays Premier League matches at St James' Park the 52-year-old is facing increased criticism as his side have stuttered after an encouraging start to the season.

The former Bolton chief took the 1-1 draw at Sunderland as a positive and Barnwell insists Allardyce has to be given time to lay the foundations for lasting success.

"To talk about Sam Allardyce being under pressure is ludicrous," he said.

"Every manager is under pressure to win games but being under pressure to win games is different from being under pressure to keep your job.

"We live in a world of immediacy. Things have to be instant. Everybody wants things immediately in football. They want results yesterday.

"I just find anything even remotely suggesting Sam Allardyce could lose his job bordering on the insane, absolutely insane.

"His chairman should not have to come out and back him."