John Carver has survived a crunch meeting with Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley and is set to remain in charge at St James’s Park until the end of the season.

Speculation had been rife that Carver could be dispensed with even at this late stage of the campaign in the wake of the Magpies’ abject 3-0 defeat at Leicester on Saturday – their eighth straight Barclays Premier League defeat.

But the club issued a statement in which they insisted Carver would continue with his duties after “frank dialogue” with senior players.

The statement read: “Following the result at Leicester City on Saturday, there has been two days of frank dialogue with John Carver and senior players.

“The outcome of those discussions is that the board, John Carver, his staff and players are absolutely focused on our current situation and the three hugely important fixtures that remain this season, two of which are at St. James’ Park.

“All parties accept responsibility for the current situation but are determined, together, to ensure this club – your club – retains its Premier League status.

“That is the only focus at this time.”

Newcastle’s defeat at Leicester plunged them within two points of the relegation zone and prompted Carver to publicly question whether defender Mike Williamson – one of two Magpies players sent off in the game – had deliberately got himself red carded.

Williamson issued a statement on Sunday denying Carver’s version of events and issuing a series of apologies from which his manager’s name was noticeably absent.

Reports on Monday suggested Charnley was aiming to bring in Derby boss Steve McClaren for the rest of the season following the Rams’ failure to earn a place in the Championship play-offs.

But local media in Derby said McClaren had rejected the proposal – leaving Newcastle with little option but to stick with Carver heading towards next Saturday’s crucial home game with West Brom.