Newcastle have confirmed the appointment of Alan Pardew as the club's new manager on a five-and-a-half-year contract at St James' Park.
The 49-year-old takes over from Chris Hughton, who was sacked on Monday.
Pardew's first task will be to galvanise a dressing room stunned by Hughton's untimely departure and to persuade the club's disgruntled fans that he is the man to take the club forward.
I want to say sorry to all Newcastle fans. Pardew on a 5 1/2 year deal. Sorry again, it`s back to championschip next year...