Former Newcastle United boss still admires the supporters even if the feeling is not mutual.
Steve McClaren makes his return to St James’ Park this weekend with Derby County, hoping to do what he made a habit of last season; inflict a loss on Newcastle United.
The former England manager was fired just under a year ago by Newcastle after a terrible debut campaign at the club, which set them on the irreversible path to relegation.
Former Newcastle manager Steve McClaren
McClaren remains a combination of despised and pitied by Newcastle fans, but he has since bounced back to management at former club Derby County, and has led their charge up the Championship table to the edge of the play-offs.
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Despite the ill feeling towards him which will likely be vociferous on Saturday, there is no grudge on his part, with McClaren praising the Newcastle fans in the lead up to the game.
Speaking to Derby County’s official club website, McClaren commented: “They have massive support at Newcastle and they are fanatics. It’s like a religion, it really is.
“The expectation is there and it’s a big shirt to wear; you have to have a certain mentality and be a certain character and player to be able to handle that.”
Derby manager Steve McClaren
McClaren struggled under the weight of expectation at Newcastle, having promised a top eight finish for the club, he never looked like getting near.
Now he will be hoping to use the Newcastle support in his favour, with fans on edge after a poor couple of results and frustrating transfer window.
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The Toon lost to Oxford in the FA Cup last week before dropping points against QPR in midweek, and nervousness is growing around the club with Reading and Leeds making ground on their once seemingly unassailable position.
Derby have risen into sixth place, and have reason to be confident of getting a result. McClaren may have been dreading his return to Newcastle, but he could be heading back there at just the right time.
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