http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/9267960.stm
Alan Pardew signs lengthy deal as new Newcastle manager
Newcastle United have appointed Alan Pardew as the club's new manager on a five-and-a-half-year deal.
Pardew - dismissed by League One side Southampton in August - replaces Chris Hughton, who was sacked on Monday.
"I am honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity at one of the truly great clubs in English football," said the 49-year-old.
His first match in charge of the club, who are 12th in the Premier League, is at home to Liverpool on Saturday.
Former Tottenham coach Hughton led Newcastle back into the top flight last season but, following his controversial sacking, the club said it wanted to appoint a new manager "with more experience".
BBC Sport understands that Pardew - who has also managed Reading, West Ham and Charlton - was in talks with the north-east club about taking over at St James' Park as long as 10 days ago.
As a manager Pardew has taken charge of more than 500 games, though the majority of those were not in the Premier League.
"I understand what this club means to its supporters," Pardew added on Thursday.
"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.
"Chris Hughton did a great job last season, guiding the club back to the Premier League, and he continued that good work this season. 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."
Pardew joined West Ham in September 2003 and guided them to Premier League promotion in 2005, before being sacked in late 2006.
He then joined Charlton on Christmas Eve 2006, but the club were relegated from the Premier League later that season and after failing to get promotion in 2007-08 he left in November 2008.
Since when? I certainly can't remember ever looking forward to watching West Ham or Charlton play.
