Newcastle manager: Steve McClaren on the brink, but who could step in?

Nigel Pearson, David Moyes and Rafael benitez among the early candidates to replace beleaguered Toon boss

Steve McClaren is subjected the supporters' fury during Newcastle defeat by Bournemouth (Getty)

Like many before him at St James’ Park, Newcastle manager Steve McClaren had to face the wrath of Alan Shearer this weekend following the abject 3-1 home submission to Bournemouth.

Despite failing to safeguard the Magpies from relegation in 2009, the 45-year-old naturally commands an attentive audience with North East punters after ten years of peerless service on the pitch.

“If that's a performance from the players to say they are backing the manager, they are in trouble,” Shearer told the three-or-so million watching Match of the Day on Saturday evening.

“McClaren is in massive trouble, he has to take his fair share of the blame.”

The Independent believes McClaren will take training at Newcastle’s Darsley Park complex this week despite winning just once in six matches.

Mike Ashley, the owner, was not in attendance to witness their collapse against Bournemouth, but managing director Lee Charnley, alongside PR officer Keith Bishop, faced the indignity of having television cameras fixed on them throughout the ordeal.

Despite spending £120m on talent across the last four transfer windows, there is a feeling on the Tyne that more business is still needed if Newcastle are to establish themselves as a Premier League club who can claim to be secure, both on and off the field, without provoking sniggers from the wider public.

The Magpies face three crucial, season-shaping fixtures in the coming weeks but it remains to be seen if McClaren will be the man entrusted with securing the points required to stave off relegation.

Leaders Leicester City, who have built their success on peanuts in comparison, welcome them to the King Power Stadium next Monday before the Tyne-Wear derby with Sunderland and a trip to Norwich.

“I’m very disappointed,” McClaren said on Saturday evening. “That was definitely a poor performance and going down material. The only positive is that we have 10 games to go.”

Former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson appears the most natural fit should Newcastle decide to dispense with their manager prematurely. The 52-year-old has been out of work since being dismissed in the East Midlands owing to a “difference in perspective” forming with the club’s board.

Pearson has twice managed Newcastle on an interim basis either side of Sam Allardyce’s ill-fated spell in charge. Aston Villa and Derby County have both considered the merits of appointing the Nottingham-born boss in recent months but have been put off by the reputation which now precedes him.

Considered by many to be the background architect of their stunning rise to the top, however, Pearson’s excellent man-management skills could be exactly the shot in the arm required. Despite forward planning not really being in vogue at St James’ Park, he would also represent a shrewd appointment if the embattled club were to suffer a second relegation in eight years.

Mike Ashley may have a big decision to make (AFP)

David Moyes, the former Everton, Manchester United and Real Sociedad boss, is another option open to the Newcastle hierarchy. Ashley is thought to have a high opinion of the oft-derided Scot and supporters would be unlikely to protest with too much vigour if he were approached.

Following his 12 months in Spain, Moyes has been forced to be more receptive to positions he would perhaps have previously considered to be below him. Rafael Benítez, too, may be willing to discuss the role following his acrimonious departure at Real Madrid but the Spaniard has little experience of a relegation fight of this magnitude.

Newcastle, however, have previous when it comes to left-field appointments. Supporters live in fear of getting their wish to see McClaren relieved of his duties only to witness another Joe Kinnear or John Carver swaggering in through the backdoor.