Former Newcastle United midfielder Lee Clark has predicted that head coach Steve McClaren could end the club's 46-year wait for a major trophy.
The ex-England manager was appointed Magpies boss a fortnight ago, after leaving Derby County at the end of May.
McClaren guided Middlesbrough to the 2004 League Cup, and Clark is hopeful that the 54-year-old will bring silverware to St James' Park.
"I know people who have worked with him and everyone holds him in high regard," Clark told the Sunderland Echo. "I hope he does what he did at Middlesbrough and wins a trophy. I certainly think he can.
"The next man who does it will get that statue built for them outside St James' Park or in the city centre. The manager who brings the next bit of silverware will be revered around the football club.
"Whether it's the League Cup or the FA Cup, it wouldn't matter. Newcastle should go for all cup competitions and, with the right resources, get into the top 10, and then who knows after that."
McClaren also led FC Twente to the Dutch title in 2010.
Steven Toplis
