Football Season Guide

Newcastle had an absolute nightmare of a season last year and were certainly fortunate to escape the drop, having been on a run of quite dire performances in the second half of the season. It is now a time for a fresh start and Steve McClaren is the man to lead the revival from the dugout. The former England national manger has rebuilt his reputation in the country by making Derby County one of the top sides in the Championship in the last couple of seasons. Indeed, the Rams should have secured promotion last year but completely collapsed in the final few weeks and could not even get a play-off spot. But they played excellent football and McClaren definitely has what it takes to make the Magpies a more homogeneous and impressive outfit after the preceding shambles. Newcastle have bought smartly over the summer and signed three impressive and promising players from Belgium and the Netherlands. Giorginio Wijnladum was one of the best players in the Eredivisie last year and represents a genuine coup, having excelled for champions PSV Eidnhoven in central midfield. He should bring excellent range of passing and boundless energy to a department that has been ailing badly since the departure of Yohan Cabaye back in January 2014. Aleksandr Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba both arrived from Anderlecht and look like cracking prospects. The former certainly knows where the back of the net and has excellent movement and finishing qualities. His temperament is not the best but the raw materials are there for Mitrovic to become a star. Mbemba is a solid and assured defender who has experienced unprecedented rise in the last couple of years. Thus, Newcastle’s squad have a more balanced and encouraging look overall and McClaren is capable of steering them to a place in the top half of the table.