Steve McClaren Suffers Double Setback In Search For Assistant Boss

Steve McClaren's search for his assistant head coach at Newcastle United has hit an impasse after Bolo Zenden became the second high-profile name to be removed from the running. Former Manchester United and Everton utility man Phil Neville turned down an initial approach from the Magpies earlier in the week, while The Mirror now report that Zenden will not rejoin a man who managed him at Middlesbrough. Steve Black - a psychologist who has worked with the likes of England rugby union World Cup-winner Jonny Wilkinson and the Queens Park Rangers squad - has been touted as joining the backroom staff at St James' Park, as has McClaren's former assistant at Derby County, Paul Simpson.

However, despite McClaren declaring that he wants his backroom staff in place by the time the Magpies meet up for pre-season on July 1st, the Magpies boss insists he is "open-minded" about who will assist him following the failure to land Zenden or Neville. The former England, FC Twente and Boro boss told BBC Newcastle:

"I'm looking for the best. "It can be difficult because good people are always working elsewhere. "No doubt though I want my team in by next week - with a good week to 10 days to prepare."

Previously, McClaren has been assisted by Bill Beswick at The Riverside and then Simpson (as well as Eric Steele) at the iPro Stadium, but it remains to be seen who will join him on Tyneside. One thing is for certain, however - it will not be Alan Pardew's former assistant John Carver, who was sacked last month after only just keeping the Magpies in the Premier League on the final day of the 2014-15 season. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.