AS a Geordie, Lee Clark understands more than most the frustrations felt by Newcastle United's supporters.

But the experienced midfielder believes calls for manager Graeme Souness' head are un-necessary, and claims the disgruntled fans don't appreciate the positive work being done by the under-fire Scot.

Clark also feels the way the flak is being directed towards the man at the helm instead of the under-performing team is another sign of Souness' good management.

Four defeats in five Premiership games - the latest at home on Saturday against Blackburn Rovers - is the sort of form that has refuelled anger on the terraces at St James' Park.

And, after chants and boos rang out at the final whistle, the 200 or so that demonstrated outside the main entrance afterwards have increased talk that Souness could go this week.

Clark is of the opinion he should stay put, suggesting he is the right man to take the club forward.

"Fans are entitled to their opinion. They pay good money. This football club is the be all and end all for them," said Clark. "As players we have to get on and do the best we can for them. We want to give them a team they can be proud of.

"The fans have to realise that all of the squad is right behind him. He is taking the heat off the players during a difficult time and the lads thoroughly appreciate that.

"He has a good group of young players who have had to play because of the situation and he is trying to protect them. It may not look like it in terms of results but we are all right behind him without a shadow of a doubt."

What makes Saturday's defeat harder to take for the players is that they rarely looked in danger of losing the contest until Morten Gamst Pedersen put the ball in with his left hand on the goal-line.

And now, with the potential for a cup shock at Cheltenham's tiny Whaddon Road ground on Saturday lined up, Clark wants everybody to forget about recent form and look to the future - starting with ensuring progress to round five of the FA Cup is made next weekend.

"It is a very disappointed dressing room and we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down because we have got a huge game in the FA Cup next week," he said. "It's a possible banana skin for us. With results for us recently they might fancy themselves but we have got to stand up and be counted; be prepared to fight tooth and nail for the club."

Souness' successor at Blackburn, Mark Hughes, has backed the Newcastle boss to turn things around at St James'.

"I know Graeme well and I've a lot of time for him. I have always found him a very passionate and knowledgeable man.

"He will have to be strong and resolute. He will come through."

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