Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren in dark with board undecided over next move
Tuesday 8 March 2016 21:26, UK
Steve McClaren was still in charge at Newcastle on Monday evening but his future remained uncertain with the board undecided on their next move, according to Sky sources.
The 54-year-old is under growing pressure after Saturday's 3-1 home defeat by Bournemouth in the Premier League, with the club's directors holding talks without their manager, also a board member, on Monday.
That result left the Magpies in the relegation zone with 10 matches to play, one point behind 17th-placed Sunderland, with McClaren overseeing just seven wins in all competitions this season.
Sky sources understand that the club are still unsure on whether to sack the head coach, appointed last June, and while the board are believed to have candidates in mind, they will only appoint a new manager if they deem a new man to be worthy of the role.
The former England boss took training as normal from 8am on Tuesday and in the afternoon he stayed behind with backroom staff Ian Cathro, Paul Simpson and Steve Black for meetings before leaving the training ground at 4pm.
Sky Sports News HQ reporter Keith Downie, at the training ground, said: "It looked, on the face of it, business as usual, but McClaren is none the wiser where his future lies."
With speculation building over McClaren's involvement, the club have not backed their manager publicly or privately in the same way they did previously with Alan Pardew and John Carver.
The Magpies are preparing for their next Premier League game on Monday at Leicester, live on Monday Night Football, desperate to turn around their fortunes having won twice in 10 league games.
Newcastle's official fans forum has called for action in an open letter after growing frustrated with a season which statistically mirrors their relegation campaign in 2008/09.
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It read: "What NUFC fans want is a team of 11 players in black and white shirts that understand their role to perform to their maximum - week in, week out.
"We have entrusted the board of NUFC to ensure that the right personnel are in place to carry out this basic expectation. Whilst we still have 10 games to go, NUFC Fans cannot accept the current work ethic of the players.
"Someone, somewhere has to be accountable and decisions must be made. We must urge you to review our position and initiate any changes you see fit to correct the current attitude of the playing staff. Our players frequently look jaded and our playing style often appears outdated.
"Maybe it's time to accept that the 'head coach' role simply doesn't work at NUFC and accept that a manager is required, a person who will not only coach but motivate and manage!
"We want players that are proud to wear the famous colours. We want a manager that truly wants the best for us. It's time for action, it's time for accountability."
