Newcastle United caretaker boss John Carver has called on the club's hierarchy to name a permanent successor for manager Alan Pardew.
The Magpies have lost three and drawn one under Carver since Pardew quit for Crystal Palace 16 days ago.
United's recent woes have seen them drift toward the relegation zone, with seven points now separating them and the bottom three.
Consequently, Carver feels it is essential that the club name a new manager as soon as possible to stabilise the team once more.
"I think we have to. It could be the fan inside of me talking now," he told The Mirror after being asked if Newcastle needed a long-term figure in charge in time for Stoke City on February 8.
"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 a 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 recently admitted that he was not a viable candidate for the role, with Ajax coach Frank de Boer among those reportedly vying for the job.
Shane Callaghan
