Former Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness has offered his support to club owner Mike Ashley.

Souness, who managed the club between 2004 and 2006, added that the club desperately needs stability and Ashley could be the man to provide it contrary to the hopes of the fans.

He said: "Five years is not a long time in his world, he's built a business. He may stick his money in further down the line.

"I've worked in the north-east and this is as difficult a place to work as anywhere. I've been at Galatasaray where it's full on, Benfica where it's full on and our old club Liverpool.

"They give you a better chance than anyone, of all the jobs I've had. You're always one game away from a crisis, one game away from the roof caving in.

"Sunderland and Newcastle between them have had 26 managers since the turn of the century."