It seems that there is never a dull moment on Tyneside and last season was no different.
Following the departure of Alan Pardew to Crystal Palace and the subsequent appointment of his deputy John Carver as manager, the Magpies went into free-fall.
Nevertheless, they stayed up by the skin of their teeth and now with a new man at the helm, the hope will be for a much calmer 2015-16 Premier League campaign.
Is Steve McClaren the right man to provide that, though? Here, Sports Mole assesses how the Magpies may fare under the guidance of the former England boss.
In
Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Anderlecht), Chancel Mbemba (Anderlecht)
Out
Jonas Gutierrez (Released), Ryan Taylor (Released), Adam Campbell (Released), Remie Streete (Released), Sammy Ameobi (Cardiff City, season-long loan), Adam Armstrong (Coventry City, season-long loan), Freddie Woodman (Crawley Town, season-long loan)
Last season - 15th
Manager - Steve McClaren
© Getty Images
Almost immediately after he had been unveiled as the new head coach at St James' Park, McClaren turned his attention to transforming Newcastle into one of European football's top 10 clubs. While ambition is by no means a bad thing, the 54-year-old should perhaps help his side to walk before they can run. After all, this is a group of players that had last season been two games longer, would probably have been relegated.
McClaren will forever be tarnished by his failings in charge of the Three Lions, while missing out on promotion with Derby County has also drawn criticism. But, it is worth remembering that he guided Middlesbrough to the League Cup 11 years ago and also won the Eredivisie title with FC Twente in 2010, finishing ahead of the likes of Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord. His time in Europe means that McClaren should possess a decent knowledge of players in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, where along with France, Newcastle tend to do much of their transfer business.
Key Player - Georginio Wijnaldum
A number of big clubs were linked with the Dutch midfielder, so praise should be given to Newcastle's negotiating team for getting this deal over the line. Now, the pressure will be on the 24-year-old to deliver, particularly given the fact that he is Newcastle's third most expensive acquisition of all time at £14.5m.
He will have made the switch full of confidence, having been named the Eredivisie Footballer of the Year for the 2014-15 season. Past recipients of that award include Luis Suarez, Jaap Stam, Romario and Johan Cruyff. The accolade was recognition for his contribution towards PSV's title triumph by a 17-point margin from second-placed Ajax. Wijnaldum scored 14 league goals from midfield and in total found the net on 56 occasions in 152 outings for the Dutch side. If he can provide a similar return in a Newcastle shirt, £14.5m will look a bargain fee.
© Getty Images
Possible starting lineup
Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini, Taylor, Dummett; Tiote, Colback, Sissoko, Wijnaldum; Mitrovic, Cisse
First game: Southampton (H), Full fixture list
Sports Mole says
When McClaren looked at the fixtures list, he was bound to have been disappointed. By the end of October his men will have faced Southampton, Swansea City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and rivals Sunderland. Consequently, a few defeats should be expected, but it will be important for McClaren to keep his players as positive as possible because the fixtures computer has been a little kinder in November and December.
The cheque book will also need to come out again, particularly for a player or two with Premier League experience. The three signings already made may be exciting prospects, but there is no substitute for having a player that has been there and done it in England. Despite McClaren's hopes, Newcastle will not be troubling Europe's elite anytime soon, but with more organisation and a greater togetherness between the players and their manager, a less tumultuous campaign should be on the horizon.
Prediction - 14th
Liam Apicella
