Sam Allardyce believes that the pressure of dealing with a relegation battle at Newcastle United could "destroy" manager John Carver.

The Magpies boss was given the backing of club chiefs earlier this week, despite losing eight Premier League games on the bounce to drift within two points of the drop zone.

Carver criticised his own players in the wake of last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Leicester City - an outburst which West Ham United manager Allardyce insists is simply down to the love his opposite number has for the club.

"It looks like our final game of the season at Newcastle could have some added significance following their spiral," Allardyce wrote in his London Evening Standard column. "I watched John Carver's outburst after last week's defeat at Leicester with some dismay as he accused Mike Williamson of getting sent off on purpose.

"I like John enormously, I've known him for many years and I have nothing but respect for him and particularly the great success he enjoyed with Bobby Robson at the club he loves. It was an over-passionate reaction from him, though, as he searched for answers - and it was totally down to pressure.

"It's an awful shame it hasn't gone well for John because he's a football man through and through, he loves the club and it's hurtful when you are as attached as he is. It could destroy him for a while but if you are going to say what he said about one of his players, then do it behind closed doors."

Newcastle will be looking to halt their alarming slide when they take on West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon.