STEVE MCCLAREN has already started making an impression at Newcastle United and has told his players that they have a clean slate under his management.

The 54-year-old was unveiled as head coach last week and, in an interview with the official club website, the former Middlesbrough boss has revealed his first week on Tyneside has been ‘productive’.

"In a small way, yes, I'm starting to put my stamp on things," McClaren told nufc.co.uk. "Without going into too much detail, it's really been about assessing what has been happening at the club and how we can progress and move things forward.

"I want to send a very clear message to the staff and players that this is a fresh start for everybody, and that we have to all pull together to have an exciting season.

"It's a new beginning for Newcastle United and it's a nice time to assess things before the players return for pre-season training and the hard work begins.

"I can't wait for the start of July. That is what the job is all about - having the players around, getting out on the training pitch and getting down to work, preparing for the new season."

McClaren has held a series of talks with fellow board members Graham Carr, Lee Charnley and Bob Moncur over transfer targets, while he is still assembling his backroom staff ahead of the new campaign which will begin by hosting Southampton on August 8.

"It has been a great week, a productive week and everything is very positive,” said McClaren on the club’s official website. "It's been a week of getting to know people, getting to know the structure and getting to know the staff.

"I've been sat down with Graham, Lee and Bob, going through what the plans are, what the club has been doing, the current squad, targets and assessing things.

"We have to build some momentum and then keep that going, and that is what we are trying to do. Behind the scenes we are working very, very hard to make sure we are ready for the new season."

Meanwhile, the club have launched a new third kit ahead of the new campaign. The kit, made by manufacturers PUMA, is predominantly navy blue with a striking pink and white diagonal sash either side of the Wonga logo, and is available in club stores now.