Fragility, it seems, is the one constant on Tyneside. As McClaren said himself, you're only ever two days away from a crisis in these parts.
But with Saturday's 1-1 draw against Villa having taken Newcastle's recent tally to seven points from nine after wins over Liverpool and Spurs, the head coach thought he and his team had some goodwill in reserve.
Villa winger Jordan Ayew scored a stunning curling effort to level the scoreline at St James' Park
Not so. Asked if he was taken aback by the jeers, McClaren said: 'Yes, I was. They know when their team don't try, don't put the effort in, don't show attitude and don't want to win the game.
'We have to overcome the emotional fragility of the crowd. We are trying to convince them to fight and come through it and see what you can do.'
Newcastle have dropped 12 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other side.
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