Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has come out in support of under-fire manager Alan Pardew once again, claiming that the players have confidence in their boss.

A number of Magpies players have voiced their support for Pardew in recent weeks as they search for their first win of the season.

But Coloccini, who was relegated with the club in the 2008-09 season, has conceded that the only way to appease the fans is to turn things around on the pitch.

"We have to improve and look forward," the Argentine told the Shields Gazette. "We have a tight group and we're staying positive.

"It's a difficult time for us. But we have confidence in this group and the manager."

Newcastle's next Premier League outing is a home encounter with Leicester City.