McClaren: 'We showed Newcastle too much respect'

Steve McClaren's return to St. James Park ended in defeat as his Derby County side lost 1-0 Credit: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire/PA Images

Steve McClaren felt Derby County showed Newcastle United 'too much respect' as they were defeated 1-0 at St. James Park.

McClaren faced his former club and was 'disappointed' to not come away with a point. Derby searched for an equaliser in the second half and had chance cleared off the line in the final moments of the game.

McClaren heaped praised on Jonjo Shelvey's influence in the game. McClaren signed Shelvey from Swansea City for £12m in the January transfer window of 2016 and revealed the difference he made since returning from his five match ban.

Saturday was McClaren's first return back to Tyneside since he was sacked in March 2016. McClaren was eventually replaced by current boss Rafa Benitez following the Magpies relegation to the Championship.

Derby made changes in the second half after Newcastle took the lead through a deflected Matt Ritchie strike after 30 minutes. McClaren felt his substitutions made a big impact and could've change the final score if they had taken their chances.