Carver to lead Newcastle until end of season

John Carver will stay in charge of Newcastle United until the end of the season, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Newcastle United have put John Carver in charge of the first team until the end of the season, it was announced on Monday.

Carver, a lifelong fan of the club, was given the reins on an interim basis earlier this month when Alan Pardew left to become Crystal Palace manager.

Having made no secret of his desire to be given the job on a full-time basis, Carver has now been afforded the chance to impress owner Mike Ashley in the final 16 games of the Premier League season.

“This is a proud day for me,” said Carver, who was in his second spell as assistant manager at St James’ Park when Pardew left. 

“I have worked with, and learnt from, the best manager that this football club has had in Sir Bobby Robson. I know what this club means to this city and its people. I believe in my players and the staff I have around me.

“I am confident that we can deliver exciting successful football and look forward with relish to my role as head coach of this great football club.”

Carver is winless in the three games he has presided over since Pardew’s departure, with Newcastle 11th in the Premier League. 

The 50-year-old has been set the target of securing a top-10 finish as the Newcastle board bide their time over a long-term appointment, amid reports linking the likes of Frank de Boer and Remi Garde to the job. 

Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said: “At the beginning of this process it was my desire and intention to appoint an individual to the position of head coach who would be available to start immediately.

“Having now explored at some length the options available to us at this time, the decision has been taken to defer the appointment of a permanent head coach until the end of the season.

“The head coach will be a long-term appointment that will play a major role in shaping the future on-field progression of Newcastle United and it is vitally important that we get the right individual.

“John has a long history with the club and has the full support of the board. 

“Our goal for the season of a minimum top-10 finish remains unchanged and we are confident that John, supported by the backroom staff, will be able to deliver this.”