Steve McClaren outlines how he truly feels about upcoming Newcastle return

Follow us on Google Discover

The Derby County boss will return to St. James’ Park this weekend.

Derby County manager Steve McClaren has said that he is looking forward to his return to former club Newcastle United as his current side make the trip up to St. James’ Park this weekend, as reported by Chronicle Live.

McClaren will step out onto the field on Tyneside for the first time since he was sacked as Magpies manager almost a year ago.

He returns in circumstances totally incongruous with the state of play when he left. At the time of his dismissal, Newcastle were doomed to relegation, while Derby were flying high in the play-off places.

Now, there are just four Championship teams between them, although with the Rams some 13 points behind second-placed Newcastle, the two clubs are fighting for different things.

Ahead of his first return to Tyneside, McClaren discussed the huge expectations he felt in charge at St. James’ Park, but insisted that he is relishing the prospect of going back.

Steve McClaren mocks Newcastle’s reported January bid for Tom Ince

McClaren said, via Chronicle Live: “You can be top of the league, you can be halfway, you can be bottom of the league – the pressure is always there [at Newcastle]. There’s 52,000 fanatics who it’s like a religion for up there, it really is. The expectation is always there.

“It’s a big shirt to wear and you have to have a certain mentality, and be a certain character and certain type of player to handle that. Many have come and gone who haven’t done that.

“It’s a great challenge for us on a Saturday in a big Stadium in front of a huge crowd. “It’s a real test of character for us. Newcastle is a great club, with great fans, and I am looking forward to going back.”

McClaren might fancy it as a good time to play his former side. Derby got back to winning ways last time out in the league after back-to-back defeats, and recorded a credible 2-2 FA Cup draw with last season’s Premier League champions Leicester City last weekend.

Meanwhile, Newcastle suffered a dreadful 3-0 cup upset at Oxford United, and were held to a 2-2 draw at home by QPR on Wednesday night thanks to Ciaran Clark’s late own goal.