Sam Allardyce: "I saw Mike after the game on Saturday, shook hands and had a good chat with him.
"I hope that shows the strength of the relationship we've got. But there's no point beating about the bush - yes, I'm under the cosh; yes, I've got to get results sooner rather than later and, yes, we're having a bad time in terms of results. But it can be turned around as quickly as it's gone bad.
"I know Alan (Shearer) well and he's always said that he's not ready.
"But I don't see it as a burden. If Alan decides to take my job, I hope it'll be when I've decided to leave because I've made the club successful.
"But I don't see it as a burden. If Alan decides to take my job, I hope it'll be when I've decided to leave because I've made the club successful.
"I don't feel good because the burden lies on me more than anyone else, but I'm old enough and wise enough not to reflect that in everyday life.
"I know what's right to consistently get positive results. That won't happen by me walking around looking miserable or screaming and shouting."