Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren denies similarities to John Carver reign

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has insisted that there are no similarities between the current campaign and last season's struggle under John Carver.

The Magpies, who finished four points clear of relegation last term, are currently 19th in the Premier League table and without a win following Saturday's home defeat at the hands of Watford.

When asked about similarities between this season and last, McClaren told the Shields Gazette: "You can see that and write that. I haven't seen it.

"We come in to a new experience and we all think 'phwoar, let's go', and then suddenly it is 'woah, what's happening there'. It's a lot of things to work on. Mentality, history, and of course the present. We have to turn it round.

"But I still say this is a good squad with good players in there. To win, you need belief. That first win would ease a lot of things, but there's a lot of clubs saying that. That adds to the tension and pressure and fuels the criticism we are going to receive."

Newcastle take on Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup on Wednesday evening.