Tyne Tees nufc

Geordie John Carver says he's proud to be Newcastle United's head coach and that he'll fight to keep the job on a permanent basis.

Speaking today for the first time since being confirmed as head coach until the summer, Carver admits it's a dream come true.

Our Sports Correspondent, Simon O'Rourke went back to where his dream of leading the Magpies began - the Montagu and North Fenham Football Club.

Watch the full report here:

Neil Rowan, the Chairman of Montagu and North Fenham FC hopes to find out from the Newcastle City Council if their planning applications to move will be approved.

Newcastle United defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has completed a transfer to AS Roma after meeting a contractual condition contained in the loan agreement between the clubs.

The French defender joined Roma on a loan deal in September 2014, but has now agreed to make the switch permanent.

The centre-back arrived on Tyneside in January 2013 from Montpellier, where he captained them to the Ligue 1 title in 2012.

During his time at St James' Park he made 46 appearances for the Magpies.

Newcastle United have confirmed that John Carver will take the role of head coach until the end of the 2014/15 season.

Here are five things you may not know about him:

• Carver was born in Newcastle and once played for Gateshead.
• He was also caretaker manager at St James' Park during 2004.
• He's was head coach of Toronto FC during 2008.
• During his time in the MLS he was charged $750 for openly criticising the standard of refereeing.
• Though his head coach role is only until the end of summer Carver is contracted with Newcastle until 2020.

Former Assistant Manager John Carver has been appointed Newcastle United head coach until the end of the season.

Carver said: "This is a proud day for me.

"I have worked with, and learnt from, the best manager that this football club has had in Sir Bobby Robson. I know what this Club means to this city and its people. I believe in my players and the staff I have around me.

"I am confident that we can deliver exciting successful football and look forward with relish to my role as head coach of this great football club."

There are reports that Newcastle United will confirm John Carver as head coach until the end of the season.

The club have not officially confirmed the appointment but it is thought confirmation will come today, January 26

Newcastle expect to complete the process of identifying potential replacements for Alan Pardew within the next 48 hours, with ex-England chief Glenn Hoddle in the running for the job.

It's understood a list of around 10 potential candidates is being drawn up ahead of discussions early next week.

Sources on Tyneside insist that no-one has yet been approached and certainly no offers have been made.

However, it is understood that among the names which will be considered at this early stage are St Etienne's Christophe Galtier, former Mainz boss Thomas Tuchel, Derby's Steve McClaren, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe as well as ex-England chief Glenn Hoddle.

Galtier has already indicated that he will not walk out on his current employers this season, while Tuchel is currently taking a sabbatical and McClaren, who signed a new three-year deal last summer, has distanced himself from the vacancy.