Steve McClaren explains how things were tougher for him at Newcastle

Steve McClaren

Former Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has gone on to reveal how things were tougher for him at St. James’ Park in comparison to current boss Rafael Benitez.

McClaren was appointed as manager of Newcastle United at the start of last season but it has to be said that the 55-year-old’s time at St. James’ Park proved to be an unmitigated disaster.

With Newcastle languishing in the relegation zone, McClaren was sacked in March and many have blamed the former England manager for the Magpies’ eventual relegation into the Championship.

Following the torrid McClaren era, things seem to be looking up for Newcastle under new manager Rafael Benitez and the fans are very optimistic that their side will be able to earn promotion back into the Premier League at the first go.

Benitez has admittedly been backed very well in the transfer market and the Spaniard has also been able to choose his own players, something McClaren was not allowed to do last summer.

Now McClaren has gone on to speak regarding how Benitez has been helped by the absence of a technical director and hinted that things were much more difficult for him at St. James’ Park.

McClaren told Sky Sports via the Chronicle, “(The difference) is enormous. It’s well documented that it was sort of managed by committee last season. Now they’ve got a Chief Executive in Lee Charnley who is Newcastle through and through, who can handle the budget and is good with the figures.

“And you’ve got Rafa Benitez, who is the manager in charge of football matters. No technical director or director of football. It was difficult. It was timing. I stand here with a bit of envy.”