Magpies in 19th: Newcastle's battle against the drop in 2015/16

Newcastle United had some really good players in their squad, yet the Magpies sat 19th in the Premier League. One reason for the poor form was the absence of key players through injury. But the Magpies had spent more than anyone in the January transfer window, and the results had still not improved.
The Magpies had serious problems away from St James’ Park. They had lost 6 consecutive away league matches, and Newcastle United had suffered 29 defeats in their last 40 Premier League away games. They had won only 2 of 14 away games that season, which was the other reason for the team’s poor position.
Even so, the Magpies were just 1 point behind 17th place and had a real chance of avoiding relegation, but they needed to change something in their performances, especially in defence. Newcastle had conceded 53 goals in 28 matches; only Aston Villa, Sunderland and Norwich had conceded more.
At home, by contrast, the Magpies were playing attractive football, but playing well alone is not the key to success. Points are what matter most, and that is why Steve McClaren is close to being sacked. Rafael Benitez, Brendan Rodgers and David Moyes were linked with the club, but there was still no word on any of them being hired.
Newcastle United had kept only 5 clean sheets that season, further evidence that defence was the Magpies’ main weakness.
There was still time, with 10 games left before the end of the season, and Newcastle United had great potential in their squad. New signings Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsend had just settled into their new team, and if they showed their best on the pitch they could help the Magpies avoid relegation. Their main rivals, Norwich and Sunderland, would not make it easy for Newcastle, though. The Magpies had to show real concentration in defence and start picking up points. Otherwise they would repeat the scenario of 2008/2009, when they finished 18th and went down to the Championship.
Newcastle United also had to face their main relegation rivals in the next few rounds. The games against Sunderland (home), Norwich City (away), Swansea City (home) and Aston Villa (away) would be crucial for the Magpies’ future. Newcastle would also host Crystal Palace and Tottenham in the final rounds, and home advantage could help the Magpies in their fight to stay in the most competitive league in the world.
Too many questions remained. Would Steve McClaren stay? Could Newcastle improve their away form? Could the team avoid relegation? The answers would come at the end of the season.

How the season ended

The question about McClaren was answered within days. Newcastle sacked him on 11 March 2016 and appointed Rafael Benitez the same day. The January signings had been substantial: Jonjo Shelvey arrived from Swansea City for £12 million on 12 January 2016 and Andros Townsend from Tottenham Hotspur for £12.5 million on 27 January, both on five-and-a-half-year contracts.

The run-in started badly. Benitez’s first game was a 1-0 defeat at Leicester City on 14 March, the derby against Sunderland at St James’ Park ended 1-1 on 20 March, and Norwich won 3-2 at Carrow Road on 2 April. Relegation was confirmed on 11 May 2016, when Sunderland beat Everton 3-0. On the final day, 15 May 2016, Newcastle beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at home.

Newcastle finished 18th with 37 points, two behind Sunderland in 17th. Norwich City, on 34 points, and Aston Villa, on 17, went down with them.

The return

Benitez stayed in the Championship and took Newcastle straight back up, winning the 2016-17 Championship title, so the club spent only a single season outside the Premier League. He remained in charge until his contract expired in June 2019.