Hughton had to endure boos ringing around St James' Park again

Caretaker Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has expressed his frustration at the club's on-going turmoil after their 2-1 Carling Cup loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle remain managerless and will aim to avoid a fourth successive league defeat on Saturday against Blackburn.

"The situation is no different to what it was two weeks ago in that the sooner something can be resolved, the better for everyone," Hughton said.

Terry Venables has emerged as a possible successor to Kevin Keegan.

A crowd of just 20,577 - the lowest for a competitive match at St James' Park since the capacity was increased to in excess of 52,000 - witnessed another miserable showing from their side.

Hughton confirmed after the game he had still not had contact with the club's board since taking over from Keegan.

606: DEBATE Why CAN'T we pass forward swiftly and successfully? Why CAN'T we cross a ball from either side or from corners? Tom19NUFC

"I am in a certain position at the moment and until that changes, I can only do the best job I can," he said.

"It's a big challenge, but it is very much a challenge I am up for. Parts of that challenge are very, very enjoyable, and that's working with these players.

"You have always got to look to the next result and certainly I would be confident that we can get a result from Saturday's game."

Since Keegan left the club over a dispute regarding control of player transfers, Newcastle have lost their last three league games as well as Wednesday's home defeat to Spurs.

Billionaire Ashley, who has pumped �250m into Newcastle, decided to sell the troubled club following some ferocious protests by supporters.

Ashley has said he is unable to watch the Newcastle team due to fears over his family's safety.

"I'm now a dad who can't take his kids to a football game because I am advised that we would be assaulted," he said earlier this month.