Newcastle United news: Our verdict on McClaren's future, players' statement questioned

The club's head coach is waiting to learn his fate in the wake of Saturday's disastrous 3-1 home defeat to Bournemouth.

Writer Miles Starforth has given his blunt verdict on the future of McClaren, whose side is second-bottom of the Premier League and a point adrift of safety.

McClaren himself, meanwhile, has responded to the chants from fans for him to be dismissed during the Bournemouth game.

The club's players themselves refused to speak to journalists in the mixed zone after the game.

A statement had been issued, purportedly on behalf of the players, to Sky Sports before the game backing McClaren, but its provenance is unclear.

Finally, former United striker Alan Shearer has launched another attack on the running of the club.

Shearer says chief scout Graham Carr has made a "pig's ear" of Newcastle's recruitment.