Rob Lee encouraged by Steve McClaren's Newcastle United

Former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee has said that it was "great to see" the Magpies open up the Premier League season with a positive approach.

Steve McClaren saw his side draw 2-2 with Southampton at St James' Park on Sunday in his first competitive match since becoming head coach.

Lee, who played for Newcastle between 1992 and 2002, has claimed that McClaren has already brought a feel-good factor back to the club.

"It was great to see Newcastle go into Sunday's game with a positive approach, and the fans seemed to respond. It's been doom and gloom up there for too long," he told Chronicle Live.

"Speaking to people on Tyneside and on the odd visit in recent years, I've never known it so down. So many had thought the unthinkable: to not renew their season ticket.

"But at the weekend the supporters seemed to pick up where they left off at the end of last season, against West Ham United, and optimism appears to be seeping back."

Newcastle travel to Swansea City on Saturday.