Newcastle fans have been through the wringer in recent seasons. Even the highs have been laced with a dissent towards owner Mike Ashley and Alan Pardew, with the ‘yes man’ antics of the manager and the boss’ frugality in the transfer market having been major issues.

The back end of last season, however, hit a real low point, with John Carver’s reign almost resulting in a second relegation since 2009, with the battle against the drop going down to the very last day of the campaign.

Change was needed, and former England manager Steve McClaren was quickly drafted in after impressing at Derby, with the task of bringing some positivity back to Tyneside. Although the opening two games of the Premier League campaign have yielded just one point, there is a genuine feel good factor at the moment, and here are FIVE things McClaren has already done to improve the mood…

Serious transfer business

Wijnaldum

Perhaps not entirely down to McClaren, with owner Mike Ashley having played his part, the transfer business at St James’ Park has been impressive this summer. Chancel Mbemba, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Georginio Wijnaldum and now Florian Thauvin are all exciting names and the club’s willingness to go out and get their targets is refreshing given that the end of the Alan Pardew regime was widely mocked for a lack of activity.

Ashley may have put the cash forward, but McClaren is likely to have insisted on major backing to head to St James’ Park.

Brought back some excitement

Steve M

One point from an opening six is not exactly idea, but Newcastle have already looked a little more exciting. Wijnaldum’s header against Southampton was an example of what a McClaren side can do, with pace and sweeping movement on show as Gabriel Obertan’s delightful cross was guided into the net by the debut man.

When was the last time Magpies fans had a moment to truly cheers, aside from the relief of avoiding relegation?

Just being there

Steve M

From the universally unpopular Pardew to the woefully out of his depth Carver, the dugout has been the subject of some abuse at St James’ Park for a while. McClaren, despite his England woes back in 2008, has merely had to walk out of the tunnel to raise the mood in the North East, with his proven record in both the Netherlands and Germany genuinely impressive.

Revived Gabriel Obertan

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Very much a fringe player under Carver and Pardew, the Frenchman looked to have talent, but a lack of application. Obertan is known to be a decent footballer, and McClaren appears to put his faith in him, starting the wide-man in both Premier League games so far this term. The risk was rewarded with a superb cross for Wijnaldum’s header against Southampton, and there were glimpses of his ability on the ball during the loss at Swansea.

Buy-in from the squad

Steve M

From the unmotivated lows of earlier this year, Newcastle look like a new side. McClaren’s influence is sure to have been key in this, with a manager with a proven record and genuine tactical knowledge likely to get a greater buy-in from experienced professionals. There is still work to be done, but the opening months of the new era have been positive.