Jamie Carragher has revealed that he would like to see a rule implemented in the Premier League that stopped clubs from sacking their manager during the season.

All 20 Premier League clubs have retained the boss that they started the season with, despite huge pressure being applied to Newcastle United's Alan Pardew following his side's difficult start to the campaign.

Pardew managed to rally his side to guide them to five straight victories, which propelled them up the table away from the relegation zone, which Carragher believes is a fine example of why teams should stick with their managers.

He told the Daily Mail: "Long may this continue - here we are, heading into Christmas, and the 20 men who started the season as Barclays Premier League managers all retain their jobs.

"If it was down to me, they would all still be in their roles on May 24 next year, when the campaign reaches its conclusion. I'd certainly back a rule being brought in that prevented clubs sacking their manager during a season, as there are so many implications from one decision.

"What I have found fascinating this year is how some managers, who were seemingly walking a tightrope not so long ago when they were in the middle of bad runs, are now being hailed for doing 'brilliant' jobs. Use Alan Pardew as an example. The outsiders' perception is that he will have changed his methods to generate Newcastle's improvement but the reality will be different."

Five managers had been sacked at the same stage of the 2013-14 season.