Newcastle appoints former England boss Steve McClaren as new manager

Steve McClaren will patrol the sidelines at St James' Park next season after being named Newcastle United's new manager.

The former England manager put pen to paper Wednesday and agreed to a three-year contract with the Tyneside club.

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

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

McClaren, who was sacked as England manager in 2007 after failing to qualify for the 2008 European Championship, replaces caretaker manager John Carver.

The club announced Carver's dismissal, along with coach Steve Stone, earlier in the day following a poor run of matches that almost cost the team its spot in the Premier League.

The announcement was made more than three weeks after McClaren was relieved of his duties at Derby County following his inability to secure a spot in the Championship play-offs.

Although McClaren has managed throughout Europe - with stops at FC Twente and VfL Wolfsburg - his role with Newcastle will be his first time in charge of a team in England's top flight since managing Middlesbrough in 2006.

"I am privileged to be appointed head coach of Newcastle. This is a big club with a wonderful heritage. St James' Park is like a cathedral on Saturday afternoon, a symbol for the city and I am excited to be given this opportunity," McClaren said.

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

The 54-year-old went on to praise the club's supporters and express confidence in returning the club to the top half of the league table.

"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," he added. "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 of the Premier League.

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