Newcastle fans will be relieved to see their team out of the bottom three for a whole two weeks as we go into the international break.
This came after a hard fought 1-0 win over fellow strugglers AFC Bournemouth. While their performance wasn’t pretty, regulars in the Transfer Tavern were impressed at their ability to grind out a result, something they haven’t seen in a while.
Punters in the Tavern were also in hot debate over the credibility of Steve McClaren, with many believing he is still not completely safe, while one punter went as far to say that he didn’t deserve the job in the first place.
Though this punter may have had one too many gin and tonics, it did spark many punters into reminiscing about the former England coach.
Indeed, McClaren has had quite a varied management career, working in the likes of Middlesbrough and Wolfsburg.
As we began to look into McClaren’s past, we found out some interesting things we didn’t know before, below are FIVE examples of them…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE THINGS!
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Ten mile cycle trip
As a teenager, Steve McClaren had to cycle a daily ten-mile round trip across York in order to get to his school. I
Indeed, despite the hefty commute, McClaren was determined to go to Nunthorpe Grammar school due to the emphasis it placed on sport.
Such was his determination to succeed, he was prepared to take this journey every day, it certainly can’t have been a bad work out for a teenage boy!
Mistaken for Steve Claridge
Though we are all well aware of his history as the assistant to Manchester United managerial legend Sir Alex Ferguson, did you know that originally he was mistaken for Steve Claridge.
Indeed, as a relatively unknown figure in management at the time, United chairman Martin Edwards introduced Brian Kidd’s replacement to the media as Steve Claridge.
Managed Oxford City
McClaren first cut his managerial teeth at Oxford City, a side that now ply their trade in the National League South.
After finishing his playing career at Oxford United, he made the relatively short trip to the non-league side. What a rise it has been!
Tiote at Twente
Cheick Tiote actually played under Steve McLaren at FC Twente, as he starred in the midfield of a side who won the Dutch Eridevise in 2009-10.
Tiote moved to Newcastle for, but hasn’t shone in the same way for McClaren just yet.
High England win ratio
Perhaps the biggest fact, McClaren has a higher win ratio at England than big names such as Sir Bobby Robson, Terry Venables and Kevin Keegan.
Though McClaren will surely be remembered as far worse than these names, this is quite a stat to say the least!
