Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren has unveiled his new-look backroom staff at St James’ Park in an email to the fans.
Paul Simpson and former Valencia coach Ian Cathro have been given the role of assistant manager. Newcastle-born sports psychologist Steve Black has been appointed in a consultancy role, while Newcastle-born sports psychologist Steve Black Alessandro Schoenmaker has replaced Dave Billows as fitness coach.
After Bolo Zenden rejected the chance to reunite with Steve McClaren on Tyneside, the former England manager turned his attention to Scottish coach Ian Cathro. The 28-year-old ticked every box for McClaren – a young, ambitious coach with experience of success at the highest level.
Cathro worked under Nuno Esparto Santo at Rio Ave and the Portuguese coach could not speak highly enough of Cathro’s coaching ability – branding him a ‘genius’ and ‘a visionary’.
Paul Simpson will be reuniting with the former-England manager having worked under him at Derby County for the past two seasons. Like Simpson, Alessandro Schoenmaker – whose role will be to help oversee the fitness, strength and conditioning of the squad – also formed part of McClaren’s management team at his previous clubs.
Meanwhile, Andy Woodman will remain at the club for the time being, even though McClaren was keen on recruiting his own goalkeeping coach in the shape of Eric Steele – who was relieved of his duties at Derby County last month.
With the backroom staff in place, it is now time for Newcastle to fully focus on the incoming players.
