Steve McClaren admits it's getting '˜uncomfortable' for Newcastle

McClaren’s relegation-threatened side lost 2-1 to Watford on Saturday.

And the club remains rooted in the Premier League’s bottom three.

The defeat following a win over West Ham United and a draw against Manchester United.

There had been hopes that the team was starting to turn a corner, but the result in Hertfordshire deepened the gloom back on Tyneside, where fans fear the club is destined for the Championship.

Head coach McClaren admitted the mood was downbeat in the dressing room at Vicarage Road.

“They’re disappointed, they’re frustrated – same as everybody else is,” said McClaren.

“In the cold light of days we’ve thought ... two good performances, we’ve performed very well, but results as in Manchester United, West Ham, need to follow that up and we’ve failed to do that.

“They took the opportunity against West Ham. This was a great opportunity.

“We should’ve taken it, we didn’t so it’s kind of two steps forward and one step back at the moment, which isn’t good.”

In the build-up to the match, McClaren said he felt the club’s relegation battle could go to the wire.

Reflecting on the Watford match, he said: “It’s going to (go to the wire).

“We’re a team who’s competing and playing well, and deserving more from the performances, but not getting them. Until we start getting results then it’s getting uncomfortable.”