IT is unlikely that John Carver will be confirmed as head coach at Newcastle United for next season but there is no doubt he is a passionate man with the club's interests close to his heart.

And he is right that a solution has to be found to the growing unrest surrounding the Magpies.

Supporters, unhappy at the way Mike Ashley runs the club, have already made their voices heard with Sunday's protest at the home game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Now, there are plans for ongoing protests, with the owner's Sports Direct stores being targeted.

Carver is stuck in the middle. He has called for a united front, acknowledging that the current mood is disruptive to the team and needs to be changed.

For that change to take place, the onus is on Newcastle United to demonstrate to the fans that there is an appreciation of the depth of feeling about how it operates.

Like it or not, there is a widespread perception that the club is taking the supporters' loyalty and passion for granted and that is a dangerous game for any organisation to play.

Public relations has not been Newcastle's strong point in recent years but, perhaps more than ever, there is a need for the club to show it is listening to the concerns of those who are its lifeblood.

Newcastle United fans are amongst the most committed in the world. Through thick and mainly thin, the club enjoys attendances which are the envy of many others.

But that loyalty has been stretched to the limit and Mr Ashley needs to demonstrate he understands that before a disturbing situation escalates.