STEVE ON BRINK
Toon stars lose faith in under-fire coach
SENIOR Newcastle players cannot believe head coach Steve McClaren is still in charge and expect him to be sacked if they lose at home to Bournemouth tomorrow.
Sportsmail can reveal that McClaren and his backroom team are fast losing the trust of their squad and that several of the French contingent have organised private recovery sess i ons without t he c l ub’ s permission.
Sources claim that disgruntled players, including experienced internationals, have spoken of their surprise that the former England boss has not already been axed after a run of six straight away defeats has left them second from bottom.
Owner Mike Ashley does not want to miss out on next season’s bumper TV deal and he will be asking managing director Lee Charnley for updates on the unfolding crisis. Indeed, it is understood Charnley headed straight for Newcastle’s dressing room following their 5-1 humiliation at Chelsea last month.
The players, meanwhile, are also aware of tension between some members of the backroom team, and there is a feeling among the club’s hierarchy that some of them are bringing little to the fight against relegation.
Sportsmail can reveal there was a meeting attended by McClaren and his staff in which they sought to address several issues threatening their Premier League status.
One of their biggest worries is the crippling injury situation.