Recent rumours over when Steve McClaren was going to be sacked have come to an end.

The former Derby County manager has left 19th place Newcastle United with immediate effect on Friday morning.

This follows Newcastle's poor display against Bournemouth at home on Saturday, when they were defeated 3-1.

The Englishman has suffered many disappointed results this season, with the worst coming away from St. James' Park.

A tough time in charge

At Crystal Palace and Chelsea they were comfortably beaten 5-1 and away at Manchester City the Toon tasted a 6-1 hammering. 

McClaren has had a terrible time as manager of the Magpies. He has spent £78m since arriving before the start of the season, on many players who fans consider to be below par,  while only picking up six Premier League wins since.

Managing director of Newcastle, Lee Charnley stated that the Newcastle board felt a change was needed in order to 'give the club the best possible chance of securing its Premier League future'.

McClaren never got the approval of the Newcastle fans. | Image source: Daily Mail
McClaren never got the approval of the Newcastle fans. | Image source: Daily Mail

Benitez back in England?

Charnley then went on to say a new manager would be announced in due course, and it is looking extremely likely that the new man will be former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez. The Spaniard is said to be interested in becoming the new man at the helm, and will be allowed to bring in his own backroom staff should he get the job.

However, it is being reported that he would have no interest in managing in the Championship and if Newcastle were relegated he would walk away from the club. It remains to be seen whether Benitez will be able to save Newcastle from the drop with just 10 games to go this season.

Benitez is expected to arrive in Newcastle later today for face-to-face talks with the board. If discussions go as planned it is assumed that he will be on the touchline for the Magpies' game against league leaders, Leicester City on Monday night.

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About the author
Jordan Jamison
Aspiring Sports Journalist. Chelsea and Rangers. twitter.com/@BeIgianwinger