Newcastle manager: Steve McClaren baulked at Mike Ashley's control as owner makes clear current malaise is unacceptable

Derby County manager rejected chance to replace John Carver

Newcastle remain £129m in debt to owner Mike Ashley (Getty Images)

Steve McClaren turned down the chance to take over at Newcastle United because of concerns about the present management structure at the club, and the direction of those in charge at St James’ Park.

Newcastle, whose captain Fabricio Coloccini issued an apology to supporters on Tuesday and called for them to drop any demonstrations as they fight relegation for the rest of the season, are back to square one in their hunt for a new head coach.

It can also be revealed that owner Mike Ashley told managing director Lee Charnley, chief scout Graham Carr, interim manager John Carver and finance director John Irving in a conference call on Sunday that the present malaise is unacceptable.

Carver has been left in charge for Saturday’s vital home game with West Bromwich following the decision by Derby County manager McClaren to turn down a second approach from Newcastle due to his concerns.

The tight structure laid out by owner Ashley, where player recruitment is the responsibility of Carr and Charnley, has already proven problematic enough to propel the club into a relegation fight. Alan Pardew quit the club for Crystal Palace in January, frustrated by the limited role of head coach.

Those around McClaren were made aware of Newcastle’s renewed interest over the weekend following their eighth successive defeat, at Leicester, a result that led Carver to claim defender Mike Williamson deliberately got himself sent off, something the player has since denied.

Derby manager Steve McClaren reacts to conceding a goal (Getty Images)

That led to a series of meetings at Newcastle, involving both the management and players which resulted in

Coloccini’s letter to fans. “On behalf of the squad we would like to apologise for the moment we are going through,” he said. “Neither players nor staff would like to be in the position that we are in. This has happened for many reasons and right now there is no time to look back and correct mistakes. This is as painful for us as it is for you.

“Players and staff have come together in order to leave all differences, all different opinions, anything that divides us. On Saturday please come to St James’ Park, create a great atmosphere. The best fans are those who are there for their club in the worst of situations.”

Fabricio Coloccini (GETTY IMAGES)

McClaren, who revealed last week that he had turned down Newcastle in January, has recently met officials from Derby and insisted that he does not intend to leave the club, with insiders saying he has “unfinished business”.

Derby spent much of the season pushing for promotion from the Championship, but a hugely disappointing finish, with the Newcastle question hanging over the club, saw them win two of their last 13 games and fail to even reach the play-offs.

In snubbing Newcastle, there was also concern from McClaren’s inner circle about what division the club will be in next season.

Although Newcastle failed to strengthen in key positions last summer during Charnley’s first transfer window after his promotion within the club, they are now prepared for a major overhaul, whichever division they may find themselves in.