5 Reasons For Newcastle Fans To Be Cheerful (And 5 To Be Fearful) After Opening Day

3. The Skipper Didn't Impress

Fabricio Coloccini was handed a new deal last week and Steve McClaren has backed his skipper to rekindle his form. The Argentine's performance pose questions about both decisions as he certainly looked far from the level he needs to be at in order to maintain a first-team place in the Premier League. Coloccini was woefully slow, positionally awkward and painfully unfit. The defender did not challenge for a single header and seemed to have no relationship whatsoever with Chancel Mbemba (who he should have been mentoring more effectively).