New head coach Steve McClaren will take up a place on Newcastle Uniteds board of directors, whileowner Mike Ashley has relinquishedhis seat. McClaren took the reins atNewcastleon Wednesday and, having signed John Olerud Jersey an initial three-year deal, will become the first Premier League bo s to be on theirclubs board. However, owner Ashley a target of fans frustrations during recent seasons due to a perceived lack of investment in the team will step down from the board. Ashley,who purchased the club in 2007,is seen by many Newcastle supporters to be a key reason behindthe clubs struggles. Chief scout Graham Carr and amba sador Bob Moncur will also join the board alongside managing director Lee Charnley. Charnley said in a statement: This is a very positive step forward for the club and I am delighted that Steve, Graham and Bob will join me on the board. It was particularly important for us that the head coach also became a board member in order to gain a full understanding and appreciation for the club and its operations as a whole, not just the football side. In Steve we have an individual who embraced that responsibility. Graham and Bobs pa sion for the club is beyond question and I believe given the collective skills, knowledge and experience, together, we are incredibly strong. Whilst, of course, we all have our individual primary duties, there is a huge common desire for the club as a whole to move forward and succeed. Adam Macko Jersey