Pardew named Newcastle manager in long-term deal

Newcastle United has appointed Alan Pardew as the new manager on a five-and-a-half year deal, which will run until the summer of 2016. The ex-West Ham boss' first match in charge will be the Liverpool visit to St James Park on Saturday.

He said, ''I am honored 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 recognize that this is a unique club in many ways, with supporters who are second to none in their loyalty, passion and devotion to 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 acknowledged Chris Hughton's work at Newcastle. Hughton, who was sacked as Newcastle's manager during the week, had stabilized the club in the time of need and guided them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking after they were relegated two years back.

''Chris Hughton did a great job last season, guiding the club back to the Premier League, and he continued that good work this season,'' said Pardew. ''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's experience in the Premier League is limited to his time at West Ham and Charlton Athletic. He joined West Ham in September 2003 and guided them to promotion into the Premier League in 2005. However, he was sacked mid-season during 2006, before joining Charlton in an attempt to save the club from relegation. But he couldn't prevent them from relegation and he left in November 2008 after failing to secure promotion in 2007-08 season.