Steve McClaren is optimistic Newcastle's fortunes will change for the better
Sunday 27 December 2015 22:52, UK
Newcastle manager Steve McClaren is optimistic his team's fortunes will change for the better in the second half of the campaign.
A 1-0 defeat to Everton at St James' Park on Boxing Day defeat means the Magpies have just 17 points from 18 matches as they prepare for Monday's visit to West Brom.
McClaren's men will need to make a significant improvement over the remaining months of the campaign if they are to avoid a season-long survival fight, and he will hope that starts at The Hawthorns.
But the former England boss insists there is no panic despite the club's position in the relegation zone.
McClaren said: "It is like a football match - we are coming to the end of the first half and two halves are completely different, and we hope our second half will be better.
Trending
- World Darts Championship: Clemens, Lukeman in action on day five LIVE!
- Transfer Centre LIVE! 'Saudi could offer Rashford way out of Man Utd'
- Five years of Arteta: Arsenal transformed but what's next?
- The Friedkin Group complete Everton takeover
- Usyk vs Fury 2: Start time, ring walks, undercard and odds
- World Darts Championship schedule: Smith in action on Thursday
- Lawson confirmed as Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate for 2025
- Celtic consider move to re-sign Arsenal left-back Tierney
- Nunez and Elliott strike as Liverpool battle past Southampton
- How Fury will cope with first defeat
"There are still 20 games to go, so still plenty. Hopefully the second half will be better."
Newcastle would have been a point better off and out of the bottom three had Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley not steered home a header deep into injury time to snatch victory.
McClaren and his staff now face the task of lifting their players both mentally and physically for the clash with the Baggies.
The 54-year-old said: "It's a big test for us on Monday and whoever travels to West Brom, we need the crowd as well.
"I thought they were great at the end showing their appreciation. It's about performance because if we carry on like that, we will win games and collect points.
"West Brom is a mentality test as much as a physical one. We will try to recover, get some energy into them and I might have to use the squad, but we have to get on with it."
The Magpies have taken just one point from their last two games, but at least have keeper Rob Elliot in fine form after he once again demonstrated his ability to deputise for the injured Tim Krul with a series of fine saves against the Toffees.
McClaren said: "I said at the time it was up to him and come in and get us the points Tim would have got us and in recent weeks, he has certainly earned his corn. He did that and it is just disappointing for him that he didn't get the point.
"He has stepped in and done the job and done very well, and not just between the sticks. He has great experience, he's a good talker in the dressing room and a great asset for us."
