NEWCASTLE UNITED have confirmed John Carver's appointment as head coach until the end of the season.

Having spent the last month searching for Alan Pardew's permanent successor at St James' Park, the Magpies hierarchy have instead opted to install Carver on a temporary basis for the remainder of the campaign.

The former assistant will be charged with the task of holding the fort despite overseeing a caretaker spell that has featured one draw and three defeats from the four matches since Pardew departed for Crystal Palace.

Carver will hope to use the next four months as an extended trial, and Newcastle officials have told him that he will be considered for a permanent position beyond May.

However, Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley is also understood to be targeting Derby County boss Steve McClaren and Ajax head coach Frank de Boer, neither of whom will be willing to leave their current positions until the end of the season at the earliest.

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-ten finish remains unchanged and we are confident that John, supported by the backroom staff, will be able to deliver this."

Carver was a trainee with Newcastle United, but did not make a senior appearance for the club. He joined the coaching staff under Kevin Keegan, was promoted to a more senior role under Ruud Gullit and served as assistant manager under Sir Bobby Robson.

Carver said: "This is a proud day for me. 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."