Newcastle United Premier League season preview 2015/16

All the transfer news, statistics, pundit views and odds ahead of Newcastle's 2015/16 season.

Position last season: 15th

Sky Bet title odds: 5000-1

Ins: Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Anderlecht), Chancel Mbemba (Anderlecht)

Outs: Jonas Gutierrez, Ryan Taylor (both released), Adam Campbell (Notts County), Remie Streete (Port Vale), Sammy Ameobi (Cardiff), Adam Armstrong (Coventry), Freddie Woodman (Crawley)

Overview

After the discord of last season at St James’ Park, Newcastle are hoping to turn over a new leaf under Steve McClaren, and there have been signs of serious intent in the transfer market.

Exciting Dutch winger Giorgio Wijnaldum has joined from PSV Eindhoven for a reported fee of £14.5m, while Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, another eight-figure arrival from Anderlecht, has already spoken of emulating club legend Alan Shearer.

The mood among supporters is much-changed from last season under John Carver, and Newcastle are aiming for considerable improvement after their brush with relegation. “McClaren has been tasked to secure a top-eight finish and heavily incentivised to try to win a cup competition,” said Newcastle’s managing director Lee Charnley. McClaren, meanwhile, is relishing the task. "I'm determined to give the supporters of Newcastle United a team they can be proud of,” he said.

Stuart Pearce's view: "It's a tough job for Steve, but an exciting one. He’s a fantastic coach and I think he’ll do well there. The football club need a big lift. I’ve been up there just recently and there was a lot of disappointment and discontent last season.

"I think the club need galvanising from the terrace’s right through to the board room. Steve has got the ability to do that, he’s a good manager and they need a good start."

Stuart Pearce's one to watch: "Keeping Fabricio Coloccini and making sure he plays well will be vital. I think he’s done really well over his time at Newcastle and the fans like him. He’s a good player with a good CV behind him. It’s important he stays at the club and rediscovers that form that made him a key figure."

Opta stats

- Newcastle United saw more different players score for them in 2014/15 than any other PL team (16).

- Last season, Emmanuel Rivière became the 20th Frenchman to score for Newcastle in the history of the Premier League, the joint-most along with Arsenal.

- Only in 2008/09 (34), did Newcastle accumulate fewer points in a single PL campaign than in 2014/15 (39).