Crisis? What crisis? Newcastle respond to fans' questions on relegation and transfers

Steve McClaren's struggling side is languishing in the relegation zone with 12 games left to play.

And many fans fear that the club, which is 18th in the league, is destined for the Championship.

United today published the minutes of the latest Fans Forum meeting, which was attended by managing director Charnley.

Supporter representative Paul Laughlin asked: "With 12 games to go, is the club in a crisis?"

The minutes read: "The club disagreed, but understands its current league position and acknowledged it was very disappointing.

"The club explained that the squad's recent training camp in La Manga, Spain, was designed to help find solutions on the pitch in the final 12 games of the season.

"The camp was wholly focused on training and recovery, as well as a game.

"The club appreciates the work required to move up the table, and remains confident that it will remain in the Premier League at the end of the season."

Newcastle's representatives were also questioned about the club's failure to strengthen its defence in last month's transfer window.

United said: "The club explained that a willingness to invest in players was not the issue, but that the right options had to be in place for that to happen.

"While the club looked at a number of targets in January, the right options that would improve the squad were simply not available at that time."

Another fan, Alan Clark, questioned some of head coach McClaren's post-game interviews in the belief he needed to "readily acknowledge under-performance."

The meeting's minutes read: "The club emphasised the challenges coaches and players face when interviews take place so soon after high-pressure matches, but noted fans' feedback."