Newcastle United news: Pressure grows on McClaren, Ashley receives support, Toon's defensive crisis

Having spent £80million on transfer fees this season, the spotlight is firmly on McClaren and his under-performing Newcastle side who remain deep in relegation trouble.

In today's Shields Gazette, Reporter Miles Starforth wrote: "Newcastle United are fast running out of time – and Steve McClaren has run out of excuses.

"Last night’s 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park was embarrassing.

"And on this evidence, the club will be playing Championship football next season.

"No ifs, no buts.

"Third-bottom Newcastle, as it stands, are deservedly in the Premier League’s relegation zone.

"If things don’t change quickly, they will stay there for the rest of the season."

Read his full analysis from Goodison Park here: Meanwhile, ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson believes owner Mike Ashley's spending spree could change public opinion about him.

The centre-back, who left for Wolves last month, feels Ashley has shown his ambition after Newcastle were the highest spending team in the Barclays Premier League during the transfer window.

Williamson said: "They can't knock him for the money they spent in the summer and this transfer window.

"He came out and stated he wanted to win something and wouldn't leave until they did, he has got ambition.

"The fans will judge it on the consistency and how they progress from here."

For the full story click here: And finally, embattled head coach McClaren is facing a defensive crisis.

He lost Chancel Mbemba and Paul Dummett to foot and hamstring injuries respectively in the defeat to Everton.

And Jamaal Lascelles picked up a one-game suspension for his late dismissal.

Full details of Newcastle's injury crisis here: