Souness named as Sir Bobby's successor at Newcastle

Graeme Souness has been named as the new manager of Newcastle United following Sir Bobby Robson's ousting last month.

The Scotsman quit his position at Blackburn Rovers to move to St James' Park just one week after Sir Bobby was sacked. He will officially take over next Monday after Saturday's game with Rovers at Gallowgate, the Newcastle United website reported.

Widely considered to be an outsider for the post, Souness said he was "excited by the challenge" of taking charge at St James' Park.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Souness said: "I'm very sad to be leaving Blackburn. I have had a great four-and-a-half years here but I am really excited to be joining one of the biggest clubs around.

"I just hope people understand my reasons for going even though some people will be unhappy, but I can't help that and I am excited at the prospect of managing Newcastle.

"I think I'm ready for a big challenge, and they don't come much bigger than this. I don't need to be told by anyone that Newcastle are one of best supported clubs around. Everything is geared to be successful, and I hope I can bring success."

Ewood Park Chief Executive John Williams said that having accepted the practicalities of the situation, the club "reluctantly gave approval" for Souness to speak to Newcastle.

United subsequently offered a "satisfactory level of compensation" to Rovers, opening the door for the former Liverpool midfielder's arrival at St James'.

John Williams said: "My reading of the situation is quite clear. Graeme is very reluctant to leave a job he considers one of the best in the business, but he views Newcastle as a massive opportunity and one he cannot resist. We wish him well for the future and thank him for four successful years."

The Rovers chief executive said he now expected a "very strong list" of candidates to come forward to take up the Ewood Park vacancy.

Sir Bobby Robson was the second premiership manager to lose his job this season – falling one week after Southampton axed Paul Sturrock.

The Newcastle board said that a "disappointing start" to the league season had prompted them to seek a replacement for Robson.

Seventeenth-placed Newcastle are yet to win and have gained just two points from a possible 12.

The club paid tribute to their departing manager, saying Sir Bobby had "worked tirelessly over the past five years to try and bring success to the club".

According to the club website, Sir Bobby is "massively disappointed" at not to being able to finish the job.

"I have immensely enjoyed my time here as manager, and I wish the club all the best of success in the future," he said.

Sir Bobby, who won the Uefa Cup with Ipswich and took England to the World Cup semi-final in 1990, has said that he wants to continue his career in football.

(gmcg/mb)