Newcastle United's Cheick Tiote admits to failings

Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote has admitted that he failed to perform at his highest level last season.

The Ivory Coast international struggled to build on his impressive debut campaign in English football as the Magpies narrowly avoided relegation.

"It wasn't a top, top season for me but that's football," Tiote told the Shields Gazette.

"It's important to think about yourself when you finish the season. You have to think why it didn't go so well. That's normal."

Newcastle start the new Premier League season at Manchester City on August 19.