Some people may cry "but it was only a pre-season friendly" - and yet that is almost besides the point. Steve McClaren's job is to set Newcastle up to win, and to improve them game on game - yet defensively there has been absolutely no progress made whatsoever. The selection of Yoan Gouffran in defensive-midfield also belied belief, while continuing to use Gael Bigirimana out of position is unfair on the youngster. Newcastle's coaching staff have come in for a lot of praise for the way they are trying to get the Magpies to play going forward - and rightly so - but defensively McClaren still has a lot of work to do with this side. They are no better at the back than they were at the end of the last season, and are arguably worse, and some of that blame must lie at the feet of the former England boss. He must get a response from his side against Borussia Monchengladbach at St James' Park on Saturday. CLICK HERE to read the Match Report from York City 2-1 to get Newcastle United. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
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.
