Time to back McClaren . . . or sack him
MIKE ASHLEY faces the biggest decision of his eight years as Newcastle United owner — whether to sack or back Steve McClaren. Sportsmail understands the head coach is safe — for now — but that could change should Ashley fear relegation and the possibility of missing out on a share of next season’s £5billion Premier League TV deal.
McClaren has been given assurances over his future, at least in the short term, by managing director Lee Charnley. Ashley, however, is the man who would pull the trigger.
Saturday’s mauling at Crystal Palace was their eighth defeat of the season and leaves them second from bottom.
It is believed Ashley has concerns over certain elements of McClaren’s management and should supporters turn on the boss then a change could be the only option. McClaren, who yesterday called the squad in for training on a planned rest day, will argue he needs time to turn things around. But with Liverpool and Tottenham next up, there is a danger they could be adrift in the relegation zone come January.
After being booed off on Saturday, McClaren said: ‘There’s no panic.’
His opposite number Alan Pardew, who left Newcastle after five years in January, said: ‘I’ve been in Steve’s position and it’s a tough role but he’s tough enough to deal with it. I think it’s important the group stays strong.’
Out- of- work trio David Moyes, Brendan Rodgers and Nigel Pearson would be interested in the job if given guarantees by Ashley about influence on transfers.
SUPER STAT: Palace scored five for the first time in the Premier League.
CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1): Hennessey 6; Ward 6.5, Dann 6, Delaney 6, Souare 6; McArthur 8, Cabaye 6 (Lee 75min, 6); Zaha 8 (Jedinak 67, 6.5), Puncheon 7, Bolasie 8; Wickham 7.5 (Bamford 86).
Subs not used: Speroni, Kelly, Ledley, Chamakh. Booked: Zaha. Scorers: McArthur 14, 90, Bolasie 17, 47, Zaha 41.
NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-2-3-1): Elliott 6; Janmaat 5, Mbemba 5, Coloccini 4.5, Dummett 4.5; Colback 5 (De Jong 70, 5), Anita 6; Sissoko 5, Perez 5 (Lascelles 45, 6), Wijnaldum 5 (Gouffran 70, 6); Cisse 6. Subs not used: Darlow, Thauvin, Sterry, Mitrovic. Booked: Mbemba. Scorer: Cisse 10. Man of the match: Yannick Bolasie.
Referee: Stuart Attwell 7.