STEVE McCLAREN has admitted he was not strong enough when he took over at Newcastle United and he eventually paid the price.

The former England boss lost his job in March after winning just six of his 28 matches in charge after taking over from John Carver 12 months ago.

Rafael Benitez was unable to steer Newcastle clear of trouble and he is now gearing up for his first full season at the helm at St James’ Park – in the Championship.

Benitez has agreed to stay on and work under Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley after receiving assurances that he can do things his way.

McClaren claims he never got that and he blames himself for not demanding more when he took on the challenge or bringing brighter times back to the Tyneside club.

He said: "I conceded too much, especially early on, instead of saying 'we need this and this'. I hope they've allowed [Benitez] control of everything."

He added: "Listen to him, this is what he wants, these are his requirements, this is the team he needs to make."

Benitez is working on making adjustments to the Newcastle squad ahead of the new season when he will be expected to lead them straight back up to the Premier League.

There are expected to be plenty of changes and it has emerged Roma have joined Everton in showing an interest in Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. Frenchman Moussa Sissoko has already revealed that he wants to leave, with Arsenal among those keen.

Benitez has the full backing of the Newcastle supporters and St James’ Park is expected to sell-out most weeks despite being in the second tier of the English game.

McClaren never had the full backing of the fans. He told BBC Five Live: "The mistake I made was I compromised too much.

"I wanted to get enough results on the field so I could gradually gain a bit more control. But I think you have to be domineering as you go in, you have to make sure you get what you want.

"I think now with Rafa being in there he will be allowed to take control of media, of staff, and of recruitment - which is the most important thing.

"You have to make sure that you work together to establish what you want, what you're comfortable working with."

SUNDERLAND have been encouraged to make a renewed bid for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho.

The former Metz striker has indicated to Hammers boss Slaven Bilic that he wants to leave after seeing the London club target a number of high profile forwards.

And Sakho is understood to be interested in joining up with Sam Allardyce again, having been signed by the Black Cats boss two years ago when he was in charge tat Upton Park.

Sunderland have already made a couple of offers for the £15m-rated Sakho and are trying to come up with a different way of structuring the payments and to agree a fee.