NUFC Boss John Carver Finds Unlikely Ally In Steve McClaren

The pair met at an Under-21 game in Derby and McClaren praised Carver's work so far.

by Chris Waugh
John Carver has overseen just two wins as Newcastle United boss but he insists he has been offered a vote of confidence - from the man rumoured to be in line to replace him as Magpies head coach at the end of the season, Steve McClaren. The pair met on the touchline on Tuesday night as Derby County's Under-21 side hammered a Newcastle XI featuring Siem de Jong 4-0 - and Carver revealed that and McClaren enjoyed a "good chat" but that he himself remains in "pole position" for the permanent Magpies role. Newcastle have lost seven matches in a row for the first time in their Premier League history and Carver has overseen 11 losses, three draws and just two victories from his 16 matches at the helm. But Carver still maintains he is favourite to remain in the hotseat for next season.
The Magpies head to Leicester City on Saturday in a key relegation clash and, in his pre-match press conference, Carver explained:
"I had a good chat with Steve McClaren. We had a good talk. We didn't talk about anything other than my situation and about what my players are doing on the pitch. "It was all about me and how I had to cope with it and even he said: 'It's been a difficult thing for you John, I understand that, but you've handled it quite well. You've had to cope with it.' "He didn't mention (whether he was interested in) the job here. He just asked how I was coping with it, how I was dealing with it. There was nothing about what all the rumours are or anything like that. €œListen, I am in pole position (to get the permanent job) at the moment and until I am told otherwise, then nothing is going to change. Whether that happens next week, the following week, in the summer, I am in pole position and that is how I look at it.€
McClaren, meanwhile, has been linked with the Newcastle job - and some reports claim he will take up the position regardless of whether or not Derby are promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
Contributor
Contributor

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.