haw

[bennythedip2]

With Newcastle in the mire after another defeat yesterday, the bookies are split on how secure Alan Pardew is in the St James' Park hot seat.

Sky Bet report Pardew was "smashed in" in their next Premier League manager to go market following the 2-1 home reverse against Reading. That price makes him favourite in the market.

However, Stan James are prepared to offer 10/1 about Pardew, who signed an eight-year contract earlier this season, leaving next. They have Fulham's Martin Jol as their 5/4 favourite. Sky Bet and BetVictor will give you 5/2.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are into 7/2 (Betfred, Betway) to be relegated following their latest damaging home defeat.

The Magpies let a lead slip as they were beaten by two goals from super sub Adam Le Fondre.

As a result, the Royals are now just two points behind Newcastle although they remain in the drop zone in 18th after Aston Villa moved a place above them following their 2-2 draw at West Brom in the evening kick-off.

Pardew's men, who finished fifth last season, have now won just two of their last 14 league games and subsequently have slumped to 16th in the table.

Available at 6/1 for the drop prior to the game, Newcastle were chopped into 7/2 following the defeat.

The good news for their fans is that five sides remain more likely to go down, according to the layers.

Reading are one of them, although they were lengthened to 1/2 (Paddy Power).

QPR, who drew 1-1 at West Ham to continue their unbeaten run, are 4/7 (Boylesports, Coral), while Wigan, beaten 3-2 at home by Sunderland, were trimmed to 6/4 (general).

Villa are now 6/5 (Betfred) and Southampton, who host Everton tomorrow, are also rated more likely to be playing in the Championship next season. Ladbrokes offer them at 9/5 for the drop

(good luck Andy)