Alan Pardew took over as Newcastle's new manager on Thursday, pledging to build on the work of predecessor Chris Hughton and establish the club as a Premier League force.
The former West Ham and Southampton manager was hired by the northeast side on a 5 1/2-year deal to replace the popular Hughton, who was fired on Monday despite leading Newcastle back into the Premier League at the first attempt and to a mid-table position.
Hughton's dismissal stunned Newcastle's players and angered fans, after the former Ireland and Tottenham full back had revived the team's fortunes in his 18 months in charge.
Supporters are also believed to be largely against the appointment of Pardew, who has trawled around the lower reaches of the Premier League and in England's second and third tiers during his 11-year managerial career.
''I am honored and privileged to have been given this opportunity at Newcastle United, one of the truly great clubs in English football,'' Pardew said in a statement released by the club. ''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 for the team. 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.''
The 49-year-old Pardew, whose first match in charge will be against Liverpool at St. James' Park on Saturday, takes over a team which is in 12th place in its first season back in the Premier League.
He will be Newcastle's 12th manager in the last 13 years, and seventh in the last 5 1/2 years.
''I've had a lot of texts from managers saying, 'You must be mad going there,''' Pardew said. ''But it's one of the top five clubs in England. It's a daunting prospect but something I couldn't turn down.
''I wanted to be tough on the length of contract and give myself as much stability at a club that hasn't had much stability with managers.''
After making his name as a player during a four-year stint at Crystal Palace, Pardew started out as a manager at Reading between 1999 and 2003.
He joined West Ham and guided it into the Premier League and to the FA Cup final in '06, where the Hammers lost to Liverpool.
He was then relegated from the top flight with Charlton, and was fired as manager of second-tier team Southampton in August.
On sacking Hughton, the Newcastle board said it wanted to hire a more experienced manager but the appointment of Pardew is unlikely to make sense to the club's supporters.
''I know the fans are frustrated - that's pretty obvious,'' Pardew said at a news conference. ''They would have thought they had some stability with Chris.
''But I will work as hard as I possibly can to bring some longevity to this job ... I am a competent manager. I'd like to think the players will grow to respect me.''
Steve Wraith, editor of the Newcastle fanzine ''Toon Talk,'' said Pardew was likely to get a rough ride from Newcastle supporters.
''I feel sorry for the guy as the atmosphere which will greet him on Saturday is not going to be a welcome one. He could be the first manager who steps on to the pitch at St. James' Park prior to a game and not get a welcome,'' Wraith said.
''If he lasts 5 1/2 years, I will eat my hat.''
Pardew, who enjoys a close relationship with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and is widely viewed as a cheap option for the club, said consolidation in the Premier League was his immediate objective. He also pledged to send the side out to play in an attractive style.
''I have always managed teams that have played attacking positive football, something I know the supporters here appreciate,'' Pardew said. ''I can't wait to get started, and what better way to kick off than welcoming Liverpool to St. James' Park on Saturday?''
Newcastle is 12th in the league, having picked up 19 points from 16 games but just one in the last five matches. It has beaten Arsenal and Everton away and drawn at home to reigning champion Chelsea, but has only won two of its eight home games.
Newcastle last won the English title in 1927 and the FA Cup in 1955.
