Newcastle United's New Head Coach Steve McClaren poses for photographs in the home dressing room at St.James' Park

Steve McClaren says he is 'up for the job' after being set a target of ending Newcastle's 46-year wait for a trophy.

The former England coach signed a three-year deal at St James' Park on Wednesday with a clear mandate of easing the pain of the club's long-suffering fans.

A top-eight finish and a good run in the cups is the least owner Mike Ashley expects and McClaren, who has also been appointed to the club's board, says the 'work starts now'.

Steve McLaren has claimed it was the right time to take the Newcastle job having previously rejected the opportunity on three separate occasions. Steve McLaren has claimed it was the right time to take the Newcastle job having previously rejected the opportunity on three separate occasions.

Newcastle's trophy room last housed a meaningful piece of silverware in 1969 following the Magpies 6-2 aggregate victory over Ujpest Dosza in the final of the Inter Cities Fairs Cup.

“The objective is top eight and to win a trophy,” the former Middlesbrough and Derby County manager told Sky Sports News HQ.

"That’s something that has been transmitted to me through meetings with managing director Lee Charnley and the rest of the board. That’s what we want to achieve, that’s what we must achieve together.

“If we can get the right recruitment and we get the right resources as well, this club can take off. There is a lot of work to do, but the club has made it clear about wanting success, and I would not have come here if I didn't believe they were serious.

Newcastle United's new head coach Steve McClaren desperate to end the club's desperate wait for a trophy

"This club has waited far too long to win a trophy. That's one of my primary objectives here. I've already won trophies as a manager and a club the size of Newcastle United should be winning cups and finishing in the top eight in the Premier League.

"I'm determined to give the supporters of Newcastle United a team they can be proud of. The hard work starts now."