Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Alan Pardew as the club's new manager on a five-and-a-half-year contract.
Magpies give new boss long-term deal until summer of 2016
Newcastle have confirmed the appointment of Alan Pardew as the club's new manager on a five-and-a-half-year contract.
Pardew had emerged as the favourite for the St James' Park hotseat ever since owner Mike Ashley's decision to axe Chris Hughton on Monday afternoon.
The decision to turn to the former Southampton, Charlton, West Ham and Reading boss has been met with scepticism by large swathes of the Toon Army.
Almost 40,000 Newcastle supporters had their say on the man to replace Hughton in
skysports.com's online poll, with only 5.5 per cent backing Pardew.
The 49-year-old, who guided Saints to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season, will be unveiled at a press conference in Newcastle this afternoon.
Honoured
He said: "I am honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity at Newcastle United, one of the truly great clubs in English football.
"I understand what this club means to its supporters. Throughout the football world people recognise that this is a unique club in many ways, with supporters who are second to none in their loyalty, passion and devotion for the team.
"I'm not a Geordie, of course, but I'm a football person with a love of the game and I can assure you I bring great drive, desire and commitment to the job."
Pardew saluted the work Hughton did in stabilising the Magpies and bringing them back into the Premier League and is keen to get off to the best possible start in Saturday evening's Premier League clash with Liverpool at St James' Park.
"Chris Hughton did a great job last season, guiding the club back to the Premier League, and he continued that good work this season," he added.
Positive football
"It is my aim to build on that now and take this club forward.
"I have always managed teams that have played attacking positive football, something I know the supporters here appreciate.
"At the same time, I intend to focus on developing exciting young players through the club's excellent Academy and development squad, and I know the board here at St James' Park are very committed to that too.
"I can't wait to get started, and what better way to kick-off than welcoming Liverpool to St James' Park on Saturday?"
Pardew inherits a club currently sitting in 12th place in the Premier League table, but one which has taken just two points from the past 15 on offer.
