NEWCASTLE UNITED have confirmed Glenn Roeder is the permanent successor to Graeme Souness as manager at St James' Park.

Roeder has been rewarded with a two-year contract for steering the Magpies up from a relegation threatened position and into a seventh place finish since being handed caretaker reins in February.

He had previously played down any interest in taking charge full-time but has labelled the appointment as a 'dream come true'.

Now Roeder will take the UEFA course that will ensure he holds the required coaching Pro Licence to manage at the top level - something which has been been the subject of much debate in recent weeks.

The 50-year-old's installation was revealed on the same day chairman Freddy Shepherd announced that retired striker Alan Shearer will act as a sporting ambassador for the club.