Is this how Newcastle United can be revived as a Premier League force?

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Appoint a Motivational Manager

Steve McClaren comes across as a very intelligent coach who knows how he wants his teams to play and it’s been proven in the past, such as with Middlesbrough and FC Twente.  However, you can’t imagine that the former England manager would go into a dressing room enraged with a performance and try lift his squad, particularly as he finds his side firmly in a fight for safety.  This is the man that couldn’t lead the ‘Golden Generation’ of England players in a ‘must not lose’ game with Croatia in Euro 2008 qualification.  I know Scott Carson was dreadful and the players didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory, but McClaren didn’t seem to command his players and then instruct them to hold on to the point that was good enough when they got back to 2-2.

I see this as a problem with Newcastle United too.  Yes, performances have been better in spells this campaign, but there is clear separation with the players and manager in planning tactics and implanting them along with a lack of communication on the pitch.  He isn’t one to bellow out orders from the touchline, but that’s what the team might need, clear instructions and to be hounded at if something is wrong.  McClaren was a successful assistant at Manchester United and it’s unlikely he’d want that role again, but I see a partnership of himself and someone like Nigel Pearson being a complimentary one.  I know Pearson hasn’t got a lot of pedigree but he knows the league and as seen with Leicester, he can drive players to play over expectations and demands respect.  McClaren’s tactical nous, mixed with Pearson’s determination and presence, could revive the heart that has been sucked out of this once great club.