'He's the perfect fit': Steve McClaren appointed as Newcastle coach
Former England manager tasked with achieving top-eight league finish with underachieving side
Former England manager Steve McClaren was appointed Newcastle United head coach on Wednesday after the club earlier said interim boss John Carver and his assistant Steve Stone had left.
The 54-year-old McClaren, who was in charge of Newcastle’s north-east rivals Middlesbrough from 2001-06 before taking over as England boss, has agreed an initial three-year deal that could be extended to eight.
“I am privileged to be appointed head coach of Newcastle United,” McClaren said.
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
“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.”
McClaren arrives at Newcastle after two seasons at Derby County, which ended in disappointment when they failed to make the Championship promotion play-offs last month.
He was an unsuccessful manager of England, failing to qualify for the 2008 European Championship finals after replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson.
The Yorkshireman re-established his reputation, however, while working in the Netherlands with Twente Enschede.
“From my first meeting with Steve I knew he was the perfect fit for Newcastle United,” said Newcastle’s managing director Lee Charnley.