Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Joe Kinnear as new director of football.

The 66-year-old has signed a three-year contract and will report directly to the club's board as the senior executive in charge of all football-related matters, with manager Alan Pardew and chief scout Graham Carr working under him.

Managing director Derek Llambias said: "The Board is pleased to welcome Joe back to the club.

"Joe has many years of experience working within the game, and this experience will be of great benefit to the club in achieving our objectives over the coming seasons."