Newcastle United have released a statement confirming that manager John Carver will remain in charge at the club for the remainder of the campaign.

The Magpies are currently on an awful run of form that has seen them lose their last eight Premier League matches and they have now slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Saturday’s latest defeat to fellow strugglers Leicester has left the north east club in 15th position in the league table and only two points above the relegation zone, with just three matches remaining in the campaign.

The loss to the Foxes also led to speculation about Carver’s future at the club, with Derby County manager Steve McClaren being heavily linked with a move to Tyneside, but Newcastle have now released a statement confirming that their current boss will remain in charge.

The statement read: “The board, John Carver, his staff and players are absolutely focused on our current situation and the three hugely-important fixtures that remain this season, two of which are at St James’ Park.

“All parties accept responsibility for the current situation but are determined, together, to ensure this club – your club – retains its Premier League status. That is the only focus at this time.”

The Magpies have not managed a win since the 1-0 success against Aston Villa at St James’ Park in February and face West Brom at home in their next match on Saturday.

Newcastle are slight favourites at 2.60 to beat the Baggies, with Tony Pulis’ side available at 2.88 and a draw 3.20.

Should the north east club fail to stop the rot against Albion then the pressure will mount even more on their last two games of the campaign against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road and West Ham at St James’ Park.