text: John Carver has called on the advice and support of former Newcastle managers Alan Shearer and Alan Pardew as tensions grow between the club and its fanbase. Supporters are planning to boycott today’s game at home to Spurs in protest at what they see as a lack of investment and ambition from owner Mike Ashley. Carver was in the dugout alongside Pardew at the end of last season when fans again expressed their discontent during a 3-0 victory over Cardiff. Pardew was booed every time he ventured to the touchline amid a toxic atmosphere inside St James’ Park. Newcastle boss John Carver is under pressure and has asked for advice from some of his predecessors . Alan Pardew was in charge of Newcastle from 2010 to January this year, when he left for Crystal Palace . Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, the club's record goal-scorer, also had a brief stint as manager . Newcastle fans are planning to protest against owner Mike Ashley for a perceived lack of ambition . Sunday's protests will take place outside of the stadium, but Carver – who, in fairness, has been left with a depleted and disinterested squad - could nonetheless find himself the target should his side fall to a sixth straight defeat. Carver, though, accepts that he must take criticism and has spoken to the likes of Pardew and close friend Shearer, who was relegated as boss in 2009, for words of encouragement. ‘Some of the advice I’ve had has been excellent. It’s definitely changed me as a person in how I’ve dealt with things because, in the past, I would have reacted to what people have said and some of the things that have been written,’ he said. ‘Both Alans have excellent experience at it and that’s why I’m listening to what they are saying. Without a shadow of a doubt they have helped me through this. ‘We are not through it yet but they have been excellent for me, along with many other people in the game.’ He added: ‘But the club realise the situation I’m in and they realise that it’s a difficult one, and that’s why I’m convinced they are going to have to invest. ‘Whether it’s me or whether it's Sir Alex Ferguson doing this job, they would need investment.’ Carver, meanwhile, does not expect a repeat of the poison of 12 months ago when they take on Spurs. ‘The Cardiff game was one of the strangest atmospheres I’ve ever experienced,’ he said. ‘We got through it in the end. I hope it won’t be as difficult an atmosphere this time. Toon fans are planning to boycott the next home game with Spurs and have designed anti-Ashley leaflets . Newcastle players are put through their paces in training ahead of the home game with Spurs on Sunday . Newcastle winger Remy Cabella strikes a shot at goal during a training session ahead of the Spurs match . ‘I don’t think it will be, I think it will be a different type of protest. The fact that people are staying away, the people who come into the stadium will be behind the team because they understand where we are and everyone will be in it together.’ And Carver believes that the home double-header with Spurs and Swansea will determine how the rest of their season plays out. ‘I think these next two could define the season, because if we don’t pick up results it just adds a bit more pressure,’ he added. ‘Sometimes pressure can take over and we don’t want to leave ourselves in that situation.’
target: Newcastle boss John Carver is under huge pressure to perform in his role .
  Toon fans are planning to protest against club owner Mike Ashley .
  Carver could also be targeted for his poor record in his job so far .
  He has turned to predecessors Alan Pardew and Alan Shearer for advice .