Steve McClaren: 'I compromised too much at Newcastle United'

Former Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has claimed that he was not assertive enough during his time at St James' Park.

The 55-year-old was sacked in March after guiding the Magpies to just six wins in 28 Premier League games - a run of form which ultimately relegated them to the Championship.

McClaren told BBC Sport: "I'm frustrated with my time at Newcastle and especially with the way it ended.

"I went in with my eyes open and I knew the situation I was getting myself into, but the mistake I made was that I compromised too much.

"You have to go in and lead and manage. I compromised too much especially early on, instead of saying, 'we need this, we need this, we need this'."

Rafael Benitez, the man who took over at Newcastle following McClaren's departure, will remain with the North-East club going into next season.