NEWCASTLE HAVE SACKED manager Steve McClaren with immediate effect, ending his troubled nine-month stint at St James’s Park.
Rafael Benitez has been tipped to take charge of the struggling Magpies, who are currently second from bottom having lost three straight games in the Premier League.
McClaren signed a three-year deal with Newcastle in June but a miserable run has seen him win just six league games from 28, culminating in Saturday’s 3-1 loss at home to Bournemouth.
“After the defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday the Club has spent some time considering its position and has today concluded that Steve McClaren’s employment with the Club will end with immediate effect,” a statement read.
“We acknowledge that reaching this decision has taken a number of days and that this has caused uncertainty for everyone involved, in particular for Steve and the players, for which we apologise.
“However we felt that this time was necessary to ensure the right decisions were reached with the best interests of the Club at heart.”
Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said an appointment would be made in due course, but former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Benitez is the red-hot favourite to take charge.
“I would like to thank Steve personally for his services to Newcastle United,” Charnley said.
“He is a man of integrity and class and he has conducted himself with great dignity during this difficult time.
“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.
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