Mark Hughes sympathetic to Steve McClaren job

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has claimed that Newcastle United counterpart Steve McClaren has one of the most difficult jobs in the Premier League.

The former England boss has won just six of his 26 league games in charge of the Magpies so far, leaving them in the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of Wednesday's trip to the Britannia.

However, Hughes acknowledged that the size of the club, coupled with recent off-field issues, make it difficult to succeed at St James' Park.

"It always seems a difficult job for anybody up at Newcastle. From the outside looking in, seeing their stadium and the fanbase you would have to say that it is one of the biggest jobs in the Premier League," he told reporters.

"There always seems to be something happening up there though, and it never appears calm and settled. If they can get it settled then I am sure results will follow.

"It is a difficult job for Steve just as it has been for other previous managers."

Stoke host Newcastle on Wednesday looking to make it three league victories on the bounce.