Worst manager in Newcastle United history quits job with honest statement
Former Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren failed to qualify for the World Cup with Jamaica.
Former Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has resigned as Jamaica manager following their World Cup qualification failure.
McClaren was appointed last year with the sole purpose of reaching next summer’s finals. Jamaica were red-hot favourites to progress to the World Cup for the second time in their history.
The Reggae Boyz needed to beat minnows Curacao at home to book a spot at football’s biggest competition. However, all Jamaica could muster was a goalless draw and, like England at Euro 2008, McClaren failed to qualify.
Steve McClaren at Newcastle United
The 64-year-old is also arguably Newcastle’s worst manager of the Premier League era. After replacing interim boss John Carver in 2015, Mike Ashley backed McClaren in the summer, with stars like Gini Wijnaldum, Chancel Mbemba and Aleksandar Mitrovic heading to St James’ Park.
The likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsend joined in January to take his spending to £80million - an unprecedented figure during the Ashley era. But McClaren was soon sacked with the Magpies sitting second bottom.
Rafa Benitez arrived as his replacement and, despite going unbeaten in the final six games, could not avoid Premier League relegation. McClaren managed Derby County and Queens Park Rangers before landing the Jamaica gig.
Steve McClaren statement
On leaving Jamaica, McClaren wrote: "Over the last 18 months I have given everything I have to this job. Leading this team has been one of the greatest honours of my career.
“But football is a results business and tonight we have fallen short of our goal, which was to qualify from this group. It is the responsibility of the leader to step forward, take accountability and make decisions in the best interests of the team.
“After deep reflection and an honest assessment of where we are and where we need to go, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Jamaican national team. Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is to recognise when a fresh voice, new energy and a different perspective is required to move this team forward."
What Steve McClaren said after Newcastle United sacking
“I am obviously very disappointed with the decision,” McClaren said in 2016. “I appreciate any frustrations relating to the team’s results and the club subsequently finding itself in a battle to avoid relegation.
“I remain confident, however, that we would have stayed in the Premier League with a view to building for next season. Whilst there has been a lot of intense speculation surrounding my position over recent days, my sole priority has been to maintain my professionalism and carry on with my work to best prepare the team.
“I would like to place on record what a privilege it has been to manage Newcastle United Football Club. It is a great a club - the embodiment of the city, with incredible supporters. I’d also like to thank Mike Ashley and the Board for giving me the opportunity to manage the club, and the staff and players for their loyalty and efforts.
“For every supporter of Newcastle United, I genuinely hope the club can produce the results I believe they are capable of, between now and the end of the season, to maintain their Premier League status. Newcastle United is a club that must build for the long term to deliver what the supporters deserve - success and silverware.”