Newcastle United legend Chris Waddle has urged club owner Mike Ashley to call in Terry Venables to save them from the drop.

He told The Sun: "I worked with Terry at Tottenham and I know how good he can be for a club.

"I remember when Boro brought him in to do a similar thing in 2000/1 - to try and keep them in the Premier League. He managed that without a problem, they ended up finishing around 14th, comfortably clear of trouble, and he could do the same at Newcastle.

"I look at that squad and I think about what Terry could do there and I'm sure he'd keep them in the Premier League, which is all that matters right now. Of course it's not too late. It's not a top-half squad but if they can get their best XI on the pitch they have more than enough quality to stay up. Everyone sees the Chelsea game as a write-off for Newcastle but Tel wouldn't see it that way, he'd relish the challenge."

Mark Jensen, editor of fanzine The Mag, said: "I'd like to see someone brought in - most fans think the management structure is a joke.

"We need someone who can motivate the players in the short and long-term. If there's anyone out there who is credible and can finish the last eight games then bring it on."