Steve Bruce will survive Newcastle United's demoralising defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion after retaining the support of Mike Ashley.
United's fanbase felt the situation had reached the end game during the 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium.
But Ashley - currently in Dubai on a business trip - has decided to take a stand and stick with Bruce.
Behind the scenes, it is understood that it has been acknowledged that all is not well in the dressing room and some players are not playing for Bruce.
However, Ashley expects Bruce and his squad to thrash out their differences and get things right for the last nine matches.
United currently sit 17th in the table and looked down and out on the South Coast as Brighton could have chalked up an even heavier scoreline.
After Fulham's defeat to Leeds, Newcastle have a two-point advantage over the Cottagers and a game in hand.
And while the Toon owner does have a fortnight to make that change the inquest at Benton is believed to start today on how Bruce and coaching staff guide the side away from danger.
Bruce insisted last night he would not quit and despite the club's precarious position, he could take charge of their next home match against Tottenham Hotspur.
