Former Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer has given Magpies’ head coach Steve McClaren a glowing reference, claiming that the Englishman is amongst the best coaches he’s ever come across.
McClaren’s position as Newcastle boss was called into question after the Magpies failed to pick up a victory from their first eight Premier League games, however, his side have now recorded four wins from their last eight, significantly improving the glum mood around St James’ Park.
Speaking to talkSport on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show, Dyer – who worked with McClaren during his ill-fated stint as England manager – has waxed lyrical about the 54-year-old’s coaching abilities:
“I’ve said numerous times that Steve McClaren was one of the best coaches I’ve ever come across.
His sessions were magnificent so if he keeps getting his ideas across the training pitch, Newcastle will be safe.
Fresh from his spell in the ‘I’m A Celebrity’ jungle, Dyer was in attendance at White Hart Lane this Sunday to watch the Magpies secure an impressive comeback victory over Spurs, and the ex Toon star was impressed by his former side’s fighting qualities:
“Newcastle would have crumbled early on in the season in after that first half [against Tottenham], but they regrouped. Tottenham could have been out of sight in that first half, but they showed some battling qualities.”
Huge back-to-back victories over Liverpool and Spurs have propelled Newcastle out of the bottom three and up to 15th place ahead of this weekend’s crucial relegation six pointer with 20th placed Aston Villa, and Dyer has emphasised the magnitude of Saturday’s game:
“Villa is a massive game, obviously we’re talking about six pointers and it’s not even Christmas yet. If they win that it’s three on the trot.”
