The New Look Black & White Army.
Newcastle United have confirmed Steve McClaren as their new manager. The 54 year old has twice turned down the Magpies this year but will now take charge ahead of next season. McClaren was at St. James' Park on Wednesday and met with managing director Lee Charnley and chief scout Graham Carr to finalise the terms of a three-year deal, which could be extended to eight years.
He has also been installed on the club's new-look board of directors alongside Charnley and Carr and club ambassador Bob Moncur. Owner Mike Ashley has stepped down from the board but retains complete control of the club.
McClaren said: "I am privileged to be appointed head coach of Newcastle United FC. 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."
McClaren rejected Newcastle's approach in January in the wake of Alan Pardew's exit and again said 'no' with three matches of the season remaining, on both occasions deciding to remain at Derby County, where he was eventually sacked last month after missing out on the Championship play-offs.
Carr remained in contact with McClaren throughout and it was he who first recommended the former England manager for the role. Talks resumed earlier this month and, after agreeing in principal to take over, McClaren returned from a holiday in Crete on Tuesday before heading to the North East to complete his move.
Billionaire Ashley is set to arm Carr and McClaren with a sizeable transfer budget as they bid to right the wrongs of last season - in which they only avoided relegation on the final day.