Steve McClaren sacked: Newcastle dismiss former England manager

The 54-year-old leaves St James’ Park and is expected to be replaced by former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez

Steve McClaren looks dejected on the St James' Park side-lines after another defeat (Getty)

Steve McClaren has been sacked as head coach of Newcastle United after nine months in charge with the North East club one point adrift of safety after three consecutive defeats.

The 54-year-old leaves St James’ Park despite signing a three-year contract last June but a succession of poor results, culminating in the 3-1 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, and increased supporter unrest has triggered the premature end to his reign.

Rafael Benítez, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager, is expected to replace McClaren until the end of the season but no official announcement has been made in that regard.

A statement released this morning on the Tyneside club's website said: "After the defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday the club has spent some time considering its position and has today concluded that Steve McClaren's employment with the Club will end with immediate effect.

"We acknowledge that reaching this decision has taken a number of days and that this has caused uncertainty for everyone involved, in particular for Steve and the players, for which we apologise. However we felt that this time was necessary to ensure the right decisions were reached with the best interests of the Club at heart."

Managing director Lee Charnley added: "I would like to thank Steve personally for his services to Newcastle United. He is a man of integrity and class and he has conducted himself with great dignity during this difficult time.

"Steve worked tirelessly to try and bring success to Newcastle United. He has the utmost respect of all the players, staff and management and he leaves with our very best wishes and sincere thanks.

"We feel that a change is now needed in order to give the Club the best possible chance of securing its Premier League future. A further announcement on a successor to Steve will be made in due course."