Steve McClaren appointed Newcastle manager

Newcastle United have appointed former England coach Steve McClaren as the club's new manager.

McClaren was manager of Newcastle's north east rivals Middlesbrough from 2001-06 before taking over as England manager in a doomed two-year spell between 2006-2008.

He was sacked as England coach after failing to lead the national side to Euro 2008, but has since enjoyed success at Twente in the Netherlands where he won the Dutch title in 2009. He has also worked as a manager at Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest and Derby County, where he spent two years in charge and lost the Championship play-off final to QPR in 2014. 

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley - who has relinquished his position on the board - has said the new manager will be furnished with funds as the well-travelled coach McClaren begins a major rebuilding job at a club that narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League after a dreadful second half of the season.

John Carver succeeded Alan Pardew after he was appointed Crystal Palace manager in January, but the team won only three games under out of 20 and required a 2-0 win over West Ham United on the final day of the season to avoid the drop. Carver was officially dismissed on Tuesday to make way for McClaren. 

"I am privileged to be appointed head coach of Newcastle United," said McClaren on the club's official website. 

"This is a big club with a wonderful heritage.

"St. James' Park is like a cathedral on a Saturday afternoon, a symbol for the city and I am excited to be given this opportunity.

"I know how important Newcastle United is to the city and the region.

"The supporters are some of the most loyal, passionate and devoted in the world. Despite everything they maintain their faith. We owe it to them to do everything we can to reward them with success.

"There's a lot of work to do, but the Club has made it clear about wanting success and I would not have come here if I didn't believe they were serious.

"This club has waited far too long to win a trophy. That's one of my primary objectives here.

"I've already won trophies as a manager, and a club the size of Newcastle United should be winning cups and finishing in the top eight in the Premier League.

"I'm determined to give the supporters of Newcastle United a team they can be proud of. The hard work starts now."

McClaren will join the club's board of directors, and will be asked to lead them to a top-eight finish in the standings. Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley feels that his clubs have landed the right man in McClaren.

"From my first meeting with Steve I knew he was the perfect fit for Newcastle United," he said.

"I am delighted that we have secured the services of one of the best coaches in English football.

- Source: Eurosport