STEVE McClaren has revealed he is not about to change his approach to transforming Newcastle United despite a dreadful start to the season.

The pressure is mounting on McClaren after failing to win any of his opening six Premier League games in charge ahead of Chelsea.

And the situation worsened in midweek when the Magpies endured a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup.

Strong criticism of him, the team and many of the club's policies has followed and managing director Lee Charnley claimed there would be no rash decisions in an email sent to supporters on Friday.

He also indicated that there will be no sign of panic from within the boardroom, just months after McClaren was given the job.

And the head coach said: "The key thing is we are going through change and change is painful.

"This club had won five games in 32. Everyone has been clamouring for change, it has been less than three months.

"We are changing a lot. The philosophy, culture, standards and training. We are changing style of play, to be possession based."

He added: "We all have to stick together. It's our philosophy and we are sticking to it."

McClaren regularly chats with Charnley about the situation and has had further discussions this week.

The Newcastle boss said: "They said they wanted to change everything when I took over: the culture, development and style of the players.

"I said it won't be easy and that it won't happen in three months. It's credit we are sticking to the philosophy. Eventually we will turn it around. You have to have courage."

McClaren does have Aleksandar Mitrovic available again after a three match suspension. He will be without Papiss Cisse and Cheik Tiote due to injury.

There are question marks over the fitness of young winger Rolando Aarons as well as midfielder Jack Colback and left-back Massadio Haidara. Those three players have niggles and will have late tests.