McClaren GONE!

This morning brought the news that most had expected last weekend as Steve McClaren was relieved of his duties as Head Coach of Newcastle United.

Just 6 wins in 28 leagues games, just 9 wins in 38 games (including cup and friendlies) was deemed not good enough by the Newcastle hierarchy who released the following statement:

After the defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday the Club has spent some time considering its position and has today concluded that Steve McClaren's employment with the Club will end with immediate effect.

We acknowledge that reaching this decision has taken a number of days and that this has caused uncertainty for everyone involved, in particular for Steve and the players, for which we apologise. However we felt that this time was necessary to ensure the right decisions were reached with the best interests of the Club at heart.

Lee Charnley said: "I would like to thank Steve personally for his services to Newcastle United. He is a man of integrity and class and he has conducted himself with great dignity during this difficult time.

"Steve worked tirelessly to try and bring success to Newcastle United. He has the utmost respect of all the players, staff and management and he leaves with our very best wishes and sincere thanks.

"We feel that a change is now needed in order to give the Club the best possible chance of securing its Premier League future.

"A further announcement on a successor to Steve will be made in due course.”

The mood in the City had moved from anger after Newcastle’s 3-1 home capitulation last weekend against Bournemouth to one of disbelief over the following days at the farcical sight of McClaren continuing to turn up for work whilst all but sacked. A dead man walking if ever there was one.