Steve McClaren Appointed Newcastle United Manager: Latest Details and Reaction

Steve McClaren has been appointed as the new manager of Newcastle United, signing a three-year deal at St James' Park. Newcastle announced the news on Wednesday:

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Newcastle United are delighted to announce the appointment of Steve McClaren as the Club's new head coach.

McClaren joins United on a deal for an initial term of three years, which could be extended to eight.

Managing director Lee Charnley said: "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."

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The former Derby County manager takes over from John Carver, who led the Magpies to Premier League safety on the last day of the 2014-15 season. McClaren has also been appointed to the Board of Directors, with Mike Ashley stepping down from his role on the board, the club revealed. 

McClaren discussed the move in the official announcement:

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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.

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McClaren was sacked by Derby in May after he failed to secure a place for the Rams in the Championship play-offs.

The Englishman talked about why the time was right to join the Magpies:

The former England boss has been offered the top job at Newcastle twice previously in the last six months. McClaren was sounded out to replace Alan Pardew when the latter left to manage Crystal Palace in December, and the north-east club attempted to bring him in with three games of the season remaining with relegation looking likely, per BBC Sport.

McClaren turned them down on both occasions, but Newcastle have finally got their man.

Former Nottingham Forest manager and Toon player Stuart Pearce thinks McClaren can handle the pressure at Newcastle, according to an interview with Sky Sports:

McClaren has not managed in the Premier League since 2006, when he left his post with Middlesbrough to take up the England job.

In the interim, as well as coaching England, he has managed Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga and won the Eredivisie with FC Twente.

His first order of business will surely be to bring some stability to Newcastle, a side who have endured wildly inconsistent form over the last couple of seasons.

While McClaren will not be viewed as an overly glamorous appointment, his varied experience could well make him a fine asset for the Magpies.