McClaren delighted with new Coloccini deal

Regarding his new deal, club captain Coloccini spoke of his delight at remaining as a Magpie ahead of the brand new Premier League season.

Coloccini, 33, arrived at Newcastle from Deportivo La Coruna in August 2008 and his new contract will ensure he remains at St James’ Park until the end of the 2016/17 season.

But the Palace boss denied the speculation on Wednesday, and Argentine centre-back Coloccini has committed to the north east club for the next two seasons with the option of a further year.

“It’s been going on too long but luckily the club have sat down with him, I’ve said I want him as captain here we’ve got a senior group of players, I’ve asked every one of them and they want him here as captain and as a player”.

“Once we sat down together to iron things out, I knew straight away his heart was with the Club and the new contract was agreed very quickly”.

“I’ve said to Lee Charnley, “wow, we’ve got to keep this guy”.

“From day one at the club, Fabricio has been a stand-out character and I’m delighted we have secured his future with us”, McClaren said.

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has told managing director Lee Charnley they must keep Moussa Sissoko. “He’s been here for seven years and there has been speculation”.

I think McClaren will be cautious with him and gradually increase his minutes throughout the year – which is an experienced move.

McClaren has come across really well, I think, when he’s been allowed to speak to anyone other than the Mirror, though he’s not really been able to disguise the fact that the defence is a massive worry.

Do it now, before we lose this kid to one of the bigger clubs. If you assemble enough average-to-rubbish footballers in a possible back four then I suppose that happens.

“I’ve had numerous owners or chief executives and in Germany I had some who were in the press more than I was”.

The club – without a trophy since the 1969 Fairs Cup – have acquired attacking midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, defender Chancel Mbemba and striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in a bid to improve their squad.

He’s definitely impressed this summer – let’s hope he can take that in to the new season and be a contender to start on the wing.