10 Things We Learned From Newcastle Vs Southampton

1. The Future Is Bright For Newcastle

Steve McClaren has already laid the foundations of something special at Newcastle United. The more time the new head coach is allowed to get his feet under the St James' Park table, the more time he will have to implement his philosophy on his players. It's difficult to see how Newcastle fans couldn't be encouraged by what they saw against a Southampton side who blew The Toon away in both meetings last season. The game plan and identity of the side is there for all to see, while each of the new signings proved they will all bring something to the team. Heck, there was even an atmosphere inside St James' Park for a run-of-the-mill league game for the first time in God knows how long... Yes the performance wasn't the most polished, the passing was slow at times and got United into a couple of sticky situations, but this is a 'getting to know you' stage between staff and players that has been extended into the new campaign following a gruelling schedule over in America during pre-season. The only way is up for this Newcastle United side, which is a sobering thought when you see they have to play Swansea City (away), Manchester United (away), and Arsenal at home in their next three. Talk about a baptism of fire...