McClaren Excited For "Special" Atmosphere As Newcastle Player Set To Make Surprise Debut

Mbemba looks like making his St James' bow on Saturday.

by Chris Waugh
Steve McClaren admits he can't wait to manage Newcastle United in front of the "special atmosphere" at St James' Park for the first time during their pre-season friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach. New £8 million signing Chancel Mbemba is also set to make his Tyneside bow on Saturday after Newcastle confirmed that they have received the necessary permissions from Anderlecht for the centre-back to be able to play. The Magpies have won two, drawn one and lost three of their six pre-season friendlies to date, but McClaren believes the Borussia game (3pm kick-off) provides the perfect preparation ahead of the Premier League season.
Newcastle host Southampton in their opening game of the 2015-16 campaign next Sunday, and McClaren cannot wait to experience the St James' Park atmosphere for the first time against Bundesliga opposition. Speaking to The Northern Echo, McClaren said:
"Players want to come here (St James' Park) still and it was the same for me as a manager. "I moved in to this area 15 years ago and Newcastle is special. Even when I was at Middlesbrough, the games with Newcastle were always special. "The stadium was always special, the fans always special. Now to be a part of that - I can't wait to get that kind of atmosphere back. "We have always stressed that the fans are the most important people, we want a good rapport with the fans. Win or lose or draw we need it. "Sometimes when you lose badly you still have to show your appreciation. It is good that we have been doing that so far this summer and we have to continue to do that."
Mbemba, meanwhile, is available despite having yet to be granted a visa because Anderlecht have given the 20-year-old defender special dispensation to play. Newcastle remain confident that Mbemba will be registered in time for the season opener with Southampton too. CLICK HERE to read "5 Borussia Mönchengladbach Players Newcastle Must Be Wary Of".For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
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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.