Carver: I did what I could during my time as Newcastle head coach

As revealed in The Northern Echo online and in print, the interim head coach and his assistant Steve Stone have been axed at St James’ Park to make way for Steve McClaren and his backroom team.

Andy Woodman will remain at the club in his role as goalkeeper coach and Dave Watson, who joined the first team coaching staff after Alan Pardew’s exit, will return to his role in the Academy as Under-18s coach.

And Newcastle-born Carver, who had a small squad which was hit by injuries and suspensions, said: "It has been a privilege to serve as head coach of this great football club. The fans and the region deserve a successful team and both myself and my support staff worked very hard with the squad that was available to us.

“I would like to thank all of the staff at the club for their dedication, including Steve Stone in particular. I am also grateful to the owner and to Lee Charnley for their support during my tenure. I wish the club every success for the future and steeled with the experience of the last six months, I am eager and ready for the next challenge."

McClaren is expected to be confirmed as the club’s new head coach today but managing director Lee Charnley wanted to wish Carver and Stone well after their short crack at trying to keep Newcastle in the Premier League.

Charnley said: “After discussions with John it was mutually agreed that in the best interests of the club moving forward, and to enable the new head coach to build his own coaching team, we would go our separate ways.

“John loves Newcastle United and no one could have worked with more passion and enthusiasm than he did. John’s connection with the club dates back to 1979 when he joined as an apprentice.

“John has always put the club first and the recent discussions we had only re-affirmed this. He is a man of great character and dignity and will always be welcome at Newcastle United. We wish him every success in the future.”