Newcastle United boss John Carver has said that frustrated supporters are more than entitled to hold a mass protest over the running of the club.

The Toon Army plan to boycott Sunday afternoon's meeting against Tottenham Hotspur, due to what they perceive to be a lack of ambition by owner Mike Ashley in the transfer window.

Having lost five games in succession to drop down to 13th place in the Premier League table, fans will use this weekend's televised clash to send a message out to club chiefs.

"They are entitled to do what they want to do," Carver is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "At the start of the season they pay for the season ticket, and they are entitled to go to the game if they want to go and if they don't want to go that's their prerogative too.

"The fans have always been attached to this football club and the vast majority will be there on Sunday supporting the team, even those who don't have season tickets will go and watch it in the pubs and be behind the team. But I know everyone who comes through that turnstile at the weekend will be right behind the team because they want the team to win."

Carver himself has come under pressure in recent weeks, but he insists that he has no intention of resigning.