Newcastle United have officially unveiled Steve McClaren as their new head coach.
The 54-year-old, who has previously managed England, FC Twente and Wolfsburg, has joined the Magpies on a three-year-deal – with five year option – the club announced today.
Paul Simpson is expected to be appointed as his assistant manager, following the sackings of John Carver and Steve Stone yesterday. Dave Watson has returned to his role in the academy, while Andy Woodman is expected to remain at the club despite speculation linking him with a move to Crystal Palace.
Lee Clark and Steve Black, a Newcastle-born sports psychologist, are among the names reportedly under consideration to join McClaren and fill the coaching vacancies on Tyneside.
McClaren was the bookies favourite to fill the head coach vacancy at St James’ Park, following interim boss John Carver’s dismal performance at the reigns.
He said: “I am privileged to be appointed head coach of Newcastle United. 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.”
The club’s focus is securing an eighth place finish, whilst embarking on a cup run. Rumours have surfaced suggesting McClaren will pocket a lucrative bonus of £1million if he manages to end Newcastle’s trophy drought.
A statement posted on the Newcastle United FC website from Lee Charnley today read:
“From my first meeting with Steve I knew he was the perfect fit for Newcastle United. I am delighted that we have secured the services of one of the best coaches in English football.
“He has 20 years’ experience, including for the national team and at the highest level of European competition. His most notable achievements include winning the Eredivisie with FC Twente and guiding Middlesbrough to a League Cup win in 2004 and to the final of the UEFA Cup in 2006.
“He has a proven track record of being an innovative and forward-thinking coach and developing and improving players, which was a key quality we sought in the individual to fill this role. Steve also brings with him a great enthusiasm and passion for the job, the Club and the city, which he articulated to me very clearly from the outset. This is a huge job which comes with considerable pressures and I am convinced that Steve not only understands the weight of expectation that comes with this role, but that he has the strength of character and professionalism befitting of a club of our size and status.
“Steve has been tasked to secure a top-eight finish in the Premier League and he is also heavily incentivised to try to win a cup competition. We recognise supporters’ strong desire to win a trophy, an ambition which the Club now shares as Mike Ashley made clear in his comments on the final day of the season. Steve is excited by this and he has our full support in trying to achieve this goal. Our immediate focus will be on working with Steve to assess and improve upon our playing squad, as well as appointing individuals to his backroom staff.”
McClaren has endured a rollercoaster managerial career – from winning the league cup and reaching the UEFA cup final with Middlesbrough, to becoming the worst England manager in recent years. He also won the Eredivisie title with FC Twente during his first tenure with the club.
However, last season he was in charge of Derby County and, having failed to gain promotion with the Rams, he was sacked.
