The Toon Army sang: “You don’t know what you’re doing”, “Big Sam for England” and “We’ve only had one shot” as their side slumped to a dismal defeat for the second successive home game.

Allardyce, who has only been in charge on Tyneside for 15 games, has had to deal with speculation over his future for several weeks, and the current availability of the England job has done little to quell that despite his insistence that he is not in the running.

Chairman Chris Mort has repeatedly backed the manager, and asked today if Allardyce still has Ashley’s support, Mort said: “Yes, absolutely. Sam is a very experienced manager, and I am sure he will work hard with his coaching team to turn the team around.

“He is working hard to get his best team, and how they can work together in the best way. Hopefully, we will see that come together over the weeks to come.”

Allardyce dragged his players in for an unscheduled training session yesterday as they prepare for next weekend’s difficult trip to Blackburn before Arsenal head for St James’.

He did so as he continued to be touted as an outsider for the England job with League Managers’ Association chief executive John Barnwell suggesting he could be persuaded to change his mind.