Steve McClaren involved in row with journalist who accused him of being 'out of his depth'

McClaren's pre-match Press conference this afternoon descended into a heated exchange with a reporter who once worked for the club.

Asked about speculation about his future by a TV journalist, McClaren said: “I've heard there have been one or two articles – probably one main article – and as I say, I don't read it.

"It doesn't help me win football matches, and my concentration and focus are purely on Bournemouth and winning that game tomorrow.

“Someone told me about it, and unfortunately it's done, obviously, by a journalist who for the last 18 months has written nothing but negative things about Newcastle, a journalist who used to work at this football club and who four or five years ago, was released from this club.

“Whatever that journalist writes, I'm afraid I don't read it."

At the end of the TV segment of the Press conference, the journalist in question confronted McClaren as he headed towards the exit door.

He said: "Steve, don't you dare accuse me of having an agenda. You are second bottom of the league.

"This is a new one, Steve. Is this your latest excuse, is it? It's a new one, I'll give you that. I'm not the problem, Steve. You're the problem, not me. You're the problem, not me.

"Don't you dare suggest I've got an agenda against you. Walk away Steve, smile and grin again. He has been out of his depth since the minute he walked in."

McClaren's relegation-threatened side are 19th in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow's game against Bournemouth.