Steve McClaren was the surprise face at the Newcastle United Fans Forum - and the Magpies boss has insisted he wants to instil a new "culture" throughout the Toon squad. The Newcastle head coach revealed that he intends to improve players' attitudes - as well as increase respect and discipline within the squad - as he looks to implement his new "culture" during this pre-season campaign. Minutes from the Fans Forum are yet to be released by the club although they are expected to reflect McClaren's positive vision and desire to completely revamp the Magpies from within. As expected, managing director Lee Charnley and board member Bobby Moncur were both in attendance on Monday evening - though Mike Ashley did not turn up despite previous requests for him to do so - as representatives of the Toon faithful were able to put questions to the Newcastle hierarchy. Interestingly, however, McClaren - who is the only Premier League head coach to have a position on his club's board - was also present, and the early revelations from the meeting appear to be positive about Alan Pardew's permanent successor. According to fans' representatives who were present - they are unable to divulge further information until the official minutes have been released by the club - McClaren not only gave "honest" and "positive" answers, he also actively engaged with supporters. In fact, for the first time at a Fans Forum, the Magpies head coach asked supporters questions, as well as answering ones they had for him. It seems that McClaren was visibly interested in hearing supporters' opinions, or at least that is the perception he seems to have given. Unfortunately the meeting appears to have been rushed through and not all supporters' questions were answered, but McClaren's revelation that he intends to instil a new "culture" at the club is interesting. For a start it implies that things under Pardew - and latterly John Carver - were not as they should be. Respect, discipline and attitude seem to have been questioned almost immediately upon arrival by McClaren. If Newcastle are to move forward as a club under McClaren and his new backroom staff then it seems the head coach believes the whole direction of the club and philosophy of the squad needs to be altered. Following last season's debacle, that can only be given the thumbs up by Toon supporters. More details and revelations about McClaren's vision will arise once the minutes are released, but there are at the very least some positives to be taken from this latest Fans Forum. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
