Newcastle appoint pardew until 2016

The former West Ham United boss returns to the Premier League after a three-year absence. He was fired in August as manager of League One Southampton. _GEAR:__Up to £10 off Newcastle kits

with Kitbag. Free delivery on orders over £50_ "I am honoured 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 on the club's website. You may like "I understand what this club means to its supporters. 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." Pardew has enjoyed mixed fortunes as a manager after building his

reputation at Reading, who he led to promotion to the Championship. He guided West Ham up to the Premier League in 2005 and to the FA Cup final the following season, which they lost in a

penalty shootout to Liverpool. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. He was sacked following a poor start to the 2006-07 campaign and his next

club Charlton Athletic were relegated from the Premier League that same season. Pardew's most recent managerial job was at Southampton where he was sacked amid reports of conflicts

behind the scenes. REVIVING FORTUNES Pardew has the task of reviving the fortunes of the famous North East club who last celebrated a top-flight league title in 1927. Former boss Hughton

lasted only 14 months after being appointed full-time manager in October 2009. He led Newcastle out of the Championship last season and made a solid start in the Premier League, where they

lie 12th. "Chris Hughton did a great job last season, guiding the club back to the Premier League, and he continued that good work this season," Pardew said. "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's first match in charge will be against Liverpool. "I can't wait to get started, and what better way to kick-off than welcoming Liverpool to St

James' Park on Saturday.