Newcastle United confirm John Carver, Steve Stone departures

Newcastle United have confirmed that interim manager John Carver and first-team coach Steve Stone have left the club with immediate effect.

Reports emerged on Tuesday claiming that the pair had been sacked by the Magpies ahead of the imminent arrival of new manager Steve McClaren.

While the Premier League outfit are yet to announce the identity of a new boss, they have confirmed that Carver, who took charge of the team for the second half of the season, will no longer be in place at St James' Park.

Managing director Lee Charnley told the club's official website: "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. 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."

Carver added: "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."

Goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman has kept his position at the club, while Dave Watson has resumed his role as Under-18 coach after spending the second half of last season as part of the first team setup.