Newcastle have announced they have sacked Steve McClaren just eight months into his three-year deal.
The Magpies have been dreadful form this season and are currently one point adrift of safety with 10 games remaining.
McClaren was given nearly £30m to spend in January but was criticised for failing to strengthen his porous defence and he has now been relived of his duties.
“I would like to thank Steve personally for his services to Newcastle United. He is a man of integrity and class and he has conducted himself with great dignity during this difficult time,” Newcastle’s managing director Lee Charnley told the club’s official website.
“Steve worked tireless to try and bring success to Newcastle Untied. He has the utmost respect of all the players staff and management and he leaves with our very best wishes and sincere thanks.
“We feel that a change is now needed in order to give the club the best possible chance of securing its Premier League future. A further announcement on a successor to Steve will be made in due course.
Rafa Benitez has been heavily linked with the Newcastle post in recent days and is expected to replace the former England manager after a breakthrough in talks was reportedly made at the start of the week
No team has scored fewer goals away from home in England’s top-four tiers than Newcastle this season (7).
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