MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson has described Steve McClaren as the “perfect fit” for Newcastle United after his appointment as the new head coach was confirmed last night.

Gibson was responsible for handing the former Manchester United No 2 his first frontline managerial post at the Riverside Stadium 14 years ago.

During McClaren’s five years on Teesside he led Boro to a first major piece of silverware by securing the Carling Cup in 2004 before overseeing back-to-back European campaigns. His reign ended with a UEFA Cup final defeat to Sevilla in Eindhoven in 2006 when he was installed as England boss.

Gibson told The Northern Echo said: “I am delighted to see Steve McClaren back in the Premier League. I think he will do a great job for Newcastle. I think he is the perfect fit.

“He has an eye for a player and is a terrific coach and a great man manager. He is exactly what Newcastle United need.”

Gibson, who is working on trying to improve Middlesbrough’s chances of joining the Magpies in the Premier League by strengthening head coach Aitor Karanka’s squad, also thinks Newcastle owner Mike Ashley deserves credit for landing the former Derby boss.

The Middlesbrough chairman said: “I have always got on well with Mike Ashley. He has done a lot of good things for Newcastle and people forget that. He has not got everything right but he has got a lot of things right. People forget where Newcastle might be without him.

“He has brought in Steve McClaren and he did a lot of good work while he was at our club. People forget that as well as the Carling Cup success and the UEFA Cup final that we also played in a lot of semi-finals and qualified for Europe through the league. Steve is great for Newcastle and I wish him well.”

Gibson knows Karanka’s squad needs additions if they are to improve on last season’s fourth placed finish and a play-off final place. Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes is known to be one of the players under serious consideration, although it has been suggested a £12m price-tag has been placed on him.

But Karanka will have an easier job taking Chelsea youngster Tomas Kalas back to the North-East. Jose Mourinho has already informed his former Real Madrid assistant that he can have the defender back for a season long loan.

The 22-year-old spent the second half of the season at the Riverside after an unsuccessful stint at Cologne in Germany. A deal has pretty much been agreed already, with Karanka also expected to raid Stamford Bridge for a number of other loan signings like he did last time around.

l Steve Gibson talks at length about his Community Foundation in this Monday’s The Northern Echo.