John Carver demands Newcastle act now

Newcastle were beaten 2-1 by Southampton at St James’s Park on Saturday in Carver’s fourth game in temporary charge.

And the weekend’s results saw the club drop down a place to 11th in the Premier League.

United haven’t won since departed manager Alan P[ardew left for Crystal Palace three weeks ago, and Carver feels the club’s hierarchy must make a decision on Pardew’s successor before the end of the month.

Remi Garde, on a sabbatical from the game after leaving Olympique Lyonnais last summer, is the frontrunner, but the club has been assessing a number of other potential candidates.

Newcastle have a fortnight between games because of the club’s FA Cup exit, and are next in action on January 31, when they travel to Hull City.

Asked if he would like an appointment to be made by then, Carver said: “I think we have to.

“It could be the fan inside of me talking now. It will be three weeks on Monday since Alan was allowed to go and speak, so by the following Monday it will be a month. That’s long time.

“I think that’s enough time to do what you need to do.

“The club have to do that. It’s in the best interests of the club, me, the fans, the players, the staff, everybody.”

Carver, keen to take the job on himself on a full-time basis, warned Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley of the need for a swift appointment after being put in temporary charge.

“I’m as straight as they come,” added Carver, who is in Dubai with his players for a short training camp.

“I’m a little bit frustrated. From that first conversation (with Charnley), it was important that we didn’t let this situation drift.

“I’m frustrated because I think the guys are giving me everything – and I have to say that, but sometimes you need that extra bit of quality and luck.”

Asked about taking the job on on an interim basis until the end of the season, Carver said: “We have not even discussed it, I have to be honest.

“That’s not even been in my head. I’m telling you, I’ve not had the conversation about it.

“They said there would be a conversation coming up pretty quickly, even if it is me who forced the conversation.

“As you can tell, I am getting a little bit frustrated now.”

A goal in each half from Eljero Elia was enough for Southampton to claim all three points at a subdued St James’s Park.

Forward Ayoze Perez forced a save from Fraser Forster with an early shot on Saturday after good work from Remy Cabella, and Gouffran tested the former United goalkeeper with a fine half-volley after a corner was only cleared as far as him.

But Newcastle were undone by some poor defending in the 14th minute.

Captain Fabricio Coloccini couldn’t stop Graziano Pelle chesting a ball forward to James Ward-Prowse, and he played in Elia, who shot under goalkeeper Tim Krul before Daryl Janmaat could close him down.

Southampton – who beat United 4-0 at the St Mary’s Stadium in September – looked comfortable after taking the lead.

And it took a great ball from Cabella to unlock their defence. Gardos slid in to deal with the midfielder’s ball forward, and his attempted clearance cannoned off Gouffran and into the net.

It was Gouffran’s first goal in more than a year.

Perez almost put Newcastle ahead before the break after latching on to a ball forward, but his delicate shot flew just wide of the right-hand post.

Ronald Koeman threw on Shane Long and Jack Cork just past the hour mark, and Gouffran headed a cross from Haidara wide in the 61st minute.

But the breakthrough was to come at the other end of the pitch.

Long headed a ball forward into the path of Elia, who got the better of Janmaat before beating Krul with a low shot to put Southampton back into the lead.

Carver sent on Sammy Ameobi and Emmanuel Riviere in the 68th minute, but it was Southampton who carried the greater threat going forward.

Pelle hit the crossbar with a header from a Nathaniel Clyne cross in the 77th minute, and Carver replaced Dummett with Williamson in a final change.

Referee Robert Madley waved away a late penalty appeal when Jose Fonte appeared to handle a shot from Riviere.

The decision incensed United, who are without a win this year.