Ferdinand: "The supporters are so passionate they demand great things and good things and unfortunately the side hasn't been playing that well culminating in not really getting the results people up there are wanting.
"Sometimes when they start calling (for managers' heads) it is very difficult to ignore it. I think when you look at what's available to them at the moment Glenn's got Premiership experience, great managerial experience.
"Some people will say he hasn't been that successful, but he's got good experience. I've worked with him and know what kind of man he is and what he has in place to steady the ship. Alan's got bags of experience of playing although this is something new to him, but he's very passionate about Newcastle and wants to see them do well.
"Hopefully they'll be able to steady the ship and it gives the board the opportunity to get the right successor in time."