Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has hailed the mentality that new boss Steve McClaren has brought to the club.

McClaren replaced John Carver in June following the Magpies' struggles towards the end of last season in which they avoided relegation on the final day of the campaign.

Williamson has revealed that he has been impressed with the impact of the former England manager due to his approach on the training ground.

He told the club's official website: "This is probably the most tactical work I've done in pre-season for a long time. [McClaren] and his coaches have a lot of ideas, and it is good to learn them and start putting them into practice in the matches.

"It's right up there [as one of the best] because there's a new environment and mentality, which is full of fresh ideas.

"The staff are all striving to create the same environment - a working one in which everyone is focused on working at a high intensity every day. It's a pleasure to be a part of it."

Newcastle open the Premier League season against Southampton on August 9.