Early last month (11 April), Steve Claridge had this to say about what Steve McClaren had managed to do at Newcastle this season:
“Said the other day that (2008/09 Newcastle United) squad was the best to ever be relegated.
“Well this will supersede that – this (Newcastle 2015/16) is the best squad to go down.
“How they have found themselves in the position – actually beggars belief. You look at the quality of players there….you have to look at the manager – I’m sorry, you just have to look at Steve McClaren.“
Steve Claridge speaking on Radio 5 Live on Monday night:
“Mike Ashley gave the money to sign players and there is only one man responsible…Steve McClaren.
“It is an incredible under achievement.
“How he managed to get this side into the bottom three…?
“There was a lack of belief, a lack of focus amongst the players, obviously a lack of belief in what Steve McClaren was doing.”