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LONDON, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Under-pressure Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce said
his side's slump is causing him sleepless nights and admits the situation is getting desperate.
Goalkeepers Shay Given and defender Steve Harper both voiced their support of Allardyce on Tuesday after a solitary point from their last five Premier League matches has raised questions
about his position.
Allardyce was the target for boos and chants of "you don't know what you're doing" in the crushing home defeats by
Portsmouth and Liverpool last month. Unbeaten leaders Arsenal visit St James' Park on Wednesday.
"We are all uncomfortable with the situation and are all getting a little desperate," Allardyce told the Sun.
"It is causing me a few sleepless nights although, to be honest, I don't really sleep much anyway. Even less when I'm in
a position like I am in now."
Allardyce said he hoped Newcastle's demanding fans would show some patience as he tries to turn around the team's fortunes.
"At the end of the day the judgement comes at 38 games for me, not after 14," he said. "The supporters certainly have a big role to play -- a positive one I hope.
"I hope the fans can get behind us. There are many different factors we could point to which have not helped our cause. But sooner, rather than later, we will get the victory that will
settle us down."
Newcastle are 11th in the Premier League with 18 points.
