Last Updated: Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:26
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew said he will not hide from his responsibilities and is determined to turn results around at St James' Park.
The Magpies slipped closer to the Premier League relegation zone with a 2-1 defeat at home to Reading on Saturday and the pressure is mounting on the manager and his players.
Hopes were high that the north-east outfit might push on to even greater heights this term after a fifth-place finish last season and a spot in the Europa League, with another top-six berth the target at the start of the campaign.
But a dip in form and a lengthy injury list has hindered their progress and it appears as though they will be in a battle to avoid relegation over the rest of the season.
The defeat to the Royals was more significant than many of their other losses, as they are in direct competition with the Berkshire club to stay in England's top division.
But Pardew made it clear that he will not throw the towel in and is determined to work hard to turn things around and get the fans back on board.
"I think it's been tough. It's been a tough scenario, but it's not something that fazes me," he said. "I'm feeling disappointed, for sure. You don't want the stadium booing your substitutions as the manager. But that's what I have to accept."
Punters looking to use a free bet might fancy the former West Ham boss to guide his side to safety this term and he is certainly not going to go down without a fight, adding: "I will have to do what I do and I'll have to do it well. I have be strong and make sure my players are strong."
Newcastle are next in action on Tuesday, January 29, when they face a trip to Villa Park for a vital clash against fellow strugglers Aston Villa.
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