AS fans of Newcastle United plan a longer term protest at the way Mike Ashley runs the club, John Carver has called for greater dialogue in the hope of seeing happier times return to St James’ Park.

While suggesting that the boardroom needs to have firm plans in place at the end of the season for the head coach position, whether he remains in charge of not, he also hopes disillusioned supporters and Newcastle’s hierarchy can come together to take the club forward.

After last Sunday’s calls for a boycott saw thousands of fans turn their backs on the Premier League defeat to Tottenham, organisers have asked for a 34th minute stand up during the game with Swansea tomorrow to reflect the £34m left in the club’s bank account at the end of the financial year.

Those actions are likely to be followed by more in the weeks and months ahead unless Ashley can come up with a way of winning them over, but there is a feeling that most of Newcastle’s support has had enough of a lack of ambition.

But Carver is desperate to see the mood change and for the two parties to come together. He wants to ensure that the team is not affected by the protests, with one eye on the start of next season.

He said: “That would be fantastic. From day one (next season) it would be better. That is what we need to do.”

Carver added: “I was surprised on Sunday. I did not think it would be as many people as it was. We have to find a way of dealing with it and managing the situation because it can only hurt us – that is the fans and the club.

“We need to find a solution. I don’t know what that is and I haven’t had talks about it, but if I get asked my opinion then I would give an honest answer.”

Carver is a boyhood Newcastle fan and a Geordie so appreciates what the fans are thinking, but he does think differences of opinion in the stands can actually have an impact on performances.

“When I came away from the game I thought about it and the people who were in the stadium weren’t quite sure how to react,” said Carver, looking back at Sunday’s loss to Tottenham. “Some of them were annoyed that people had stayed away, others were delighted. It was strange.

“When it all kicked off last year you knew where you stood. This wasn’t a nice situation to be in, it was uncomfortable. There was a lot of apprehension around the place.

“I hear there was anger with each other and people falling out with each other in the stands. That cannot help, surely not. I thought it didn’t affect us during the game, but on reflection I think it does.”

A sixth straight defeat has done nothing to boost his cause for keeping the head coach job full-time and he is still in the dark about who will be leading the team next season.

Former Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is his main rival for the post and yesterday the Derby boss said: “I haven’t got a clue if I’m a candidate for the Newcastle job. It’s disrespectful to John Carver, to Newcastle, my focus is purely on Derby.”

But Carver does think that managing director Lee Charnley needs to have something in place before June. He said: “Definitely. That would be for everyone’s benefit. The fans, myself, everyone could enjoy their summer.

“I think it will be (sorted quickly) because don’t forget the window opens very soon after the season finishes. It has to be done and your recruitment has to be done in that period of time.”

Carver has been involved in discussions about transfers with Charnley, but he is not reading anything in to it.

He said: “We have had discussions about ongoing issues at the club and I have regular meetings with Lee and Graham, at least once a week. I have not been given any assurances or been told what my situation is next season. What I have got is a five-year deal.”

He added: “I think people understand the situation I’m in and know what I’m trying to do.

“Only they (hierarchy) know. But every time I get together with them they are positive – whether that’s to keep me going or they have someone else lined up, I don’t know.

“That doesn’t affect me. The future will take care of itself. I’m just concentrating on now.”

First and foremost Carver, whose side are seven points above the relegation zone with five games remaining, must keep Newcastle in the Premier League. He has Rolando Aarons and Siem De Jong available again after injury.