Newcastle United have announced that they have sacked their manager Steve McClaren with immediate effect.
Since their defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, which left them languishing in 19th in the league table, the former England manager’s future was under even more scrutiny, with reports suggesting that Rafael Benitez has been lined up as his replacement.
McClaren held talks with the club’s managing director Lee Charnley in the last couple of the days, and the club hierarchy have come to a decision to show the door to the 54-year-old.
Charnley has revealed that despite the respect for McClaren’s work, the club felt that the time was right for him to go as Newcastle United need some fresh ideas to avoid relegation this season.
A statement from the club’s managing director read: "I would like to thank Steve personally for his services to Newcastle United. He is a man of integrity and class and he has conducted himself with great dignity during this difficult time.
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"Steve worked tirelessly to try and bring success to Newcastle United. He has the utmost respect of all the players, staff and management and he leaves with our very best wishes and sincere thanks.
"We feel that a change is now needed in order to give the Club the best possible chance of securing its Premier League future.
"A further announcement on a successor to Steve will be made in due course."
It took McClaren eight attempts to win his first game as Newcastle United manager this season, and he lasted barely 272 days at St. James’ Park.
Former Liverpool boss Benitez has been tipped to replace the former England boss in the Newcastle dugout.
