Steve McClaren has finally found his Newcastle United assistant boss at the fourth time of asking, with 28-year-old former Valencia coach Ian Cathro having accepted the position as the Magpies' No 2. With Phil Neville, Bolo Zenden and Steve Round having already rejected approaches from the Magpies to become McClarens number two, Cathro emerged as the clubs top target earlier this week. With Steve Black likely to rejoin the Magpies as part of McClarens new-look coaching set-up in, Cathro was confirmed as the former England boss' deputy on Thursday. Derby Countys Paul Simpson is also still in the frame to arrive on Tyneside, however, as McClaren looks to totally reshape the club - and he hopes to have his full backroom staff announced imminently. Alessandro Schoenmaker has been released by Derby as well and the strength and conditioning coach will also move to Tyneside. Simpson could become available, with new Rams boss Paul Clement keen to bring in his own backroom staff, meaning a reunion in the North East could be on the cards - with Newcastle-linked goalkeeping coach Eric Steele already released by Derby. But it is 28-year-old Cathro (pictured above, centre) who has been appointed as McClarens number two, with the former Brechin City and Forfar Athletic player seen as one of the most-exciting coaches in Europe. Made Dundee United youth academy director by the age of 22, Cathro became Rio Ave assistant in 2012 - before moving to Valencia, where he left this summer after guiding the Spanish club to an impressive fourth-placed finish in La Liga. Interestingly, the Magpies also look set to part company with head of fitness Dave Billows, with Newcastle unlikely to extend his contract. Former interim head coach John Carver and his assistant Steve Stone were sacked by the Magpies earlier this month in order to clear the way for McClaren's appointment as boss. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
