McClaren under pressure as Fans Forum demands action

Newcastle’s official Fans Forum has called on the club for “action” as speculation about head coach Steve McClaren’s future continues to intensify.

Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat to Bournemouth saw antiMcClaren chants and boos from Magpies supporters ring around St James’ Park.

It was the Tyneside club’s 16th Barclays Premier League loss of the season, their fifth in their last six games, leaving them second-bottom of the table with 10 matches to play.

McClaren vowed in his postmatch press conference on Saturday that he would not be resigning, but talk is rife that the 54-year-old is facing the sack, with former Newcastle owner Sir John Hall on Sunday saying he should be axed.

While Newcastle are yet to comment on McClaren’s position, reports yesterday suggested the board, of which he is a member, was holding discussions about the situation without him.

Meanwhile, an open letter to the club from the Fans Forum – which has 15 seats occupied by supporters representing different elements of Newcastle’s fanbase, and meets to put questions to club officials at various points during a season – was published.

It said: “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.

“NUFC Fans cannot accept the current work ethic of the players. Someone, somewhere has to be accountable and decisions must be made.

“Our players frequently look jaded and our playing style often appears outdated. We want players that are proud to wear the famous colours. It’s time for action, it’s time for accountability.”

Steve McClaren’s Newcastle are second bottom.