Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren is hopeful that his arrival will be the start of a "new beginning" for the club.

The 54-year-old had his contract terminated by Derby County at the end of the season after the Rams missed out on a place in the Championship playoffs.

The Magpies moved for the former England manager to replace John Carver after their disastrous second half of the season, which saw them narrowly escape relegation on the final day.

McClaren is looking for the club to push on next season and is eagerly anticipating the return of his players for pre-season training at the start of July.

He told the club's official website: "In a small way, I'm starting to put my stamp on things. Without going into too much detail, it's really been about assessing what has been happening at the club and how we can progress and move things forward.

"I want to send a very clear message to the staff and players that this is a fresh start for everybody, and that we have to all pull together to have an exciting season.

"It's a new beginning for Newcastle United and it's a nice time to assess things before the players return for pre-season training and the hard work begins. I can't wait for the start of July. That is what the job is all about - having the players around, getting out on the training pitch and getting down to work, preparing for the new season."

Newcastle have been linked with a double swoop for Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour and Schalke 04's Joel Matip.