Newcastle United on Wednesday confirmed British media reports that manager John Carver and his assistant Steve Stone have left the Premier League club.

Carver, 50, was promoted from his role as assistant when manager Alan Pardew left Newcastle for Crystal Palace in January, but a slump in form saw the club avoid relegation to the Championship by only a whisker.

"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," managing director Lee Charnley said in a statement on the club website, confirming reports that had emerged on Tuesday.

Newcastle are expected to appoint the former England manager Steve McLaren as the permanent successor to Pardew this week.

McLaren, who reportedly turned down a chance to succeed Pardew in January, was sacked by Derby County last month after the club failed to qualify for the Championship play-offs.

Carver had hoped to be given the Newcastle job on a permanent basis, but ended up paying the price for a return of just three victories from 19 league games.

However, Charnley said that Carver could not have done any more during his stint in the dug-out, adding: "John loves Newcastle United and no-one could have worked with more passion and enthusiasm than he did.

"John's connection with the club dates back to 1979, when he joined as an apprentice. John has always put the club first and the recent discussions we had only re-affirmed this.

"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 said it had been a "privilege" to serve the 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," he said.

"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 (Mike Ashley) 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."
Source: AFP