Newcastle's away day blues to continue as Steve McClaren can't find winning remedy

McClaren’s side was beaten 5-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

And the result saw the club drop back into the Premier League’s relegation zone.

Newcastle’s away for under McClaren, appointed as head coach last June, has been dreadful, with the team having won just twice on their travels this season.

McClaren – who has flitted between formations – is considering another change for the club’s next game, the March 2 visit to Stoke City.

“We need to start collecting points away from home, because winning at home, but then losing away, is not going to be good enough,” said McClaren.

“We have to find a way to win away from home, because at the moment that’s not happening.

“If that’s a different approach, or different personnel, then we’ll have to do that.

“It might mean a different way of playing.

“We went on a very good run (after a 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in November) and that’s all we can do now.

“I think this probably the third time that we’ve had a result like this, and we need to come back and react.

“They’ve done it before, and that’s why I’m calm and upbeat and looking forward to the 18 days.

“I think we will be fresher and we’ll have injuries back, especially defenders, and we’ll be in a better position for the last 12 games.”