Newcastle reward chief scout Graham Carr with eight-year contract

Newcastle's influential chief scout Graham Carr has signed an eight-year contract to keep him with the club until the age of 75.

Carr identified much of the talent in Alan Pardew's team that finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League, defying expectations of a season of struggle at St James' Park.

He has picked out the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Sylvain Marveaux, with the former Northampton and Blackpool manager becoming a key man on the Newcastle staff, delighting owner Mike Ashley in bringing in major talent to fit the club's limited budget.

Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias said: "We are delighted to have agreed an eight-year deal with Graham, and very pleased that he has committed his long-term future to the club.

"He has been instrumental in helping us to bring some truly exceptional players to Newcastle United and he has deservedly built one of the best reputations in the business."

Carr joined Newcastle in February 2010, during Chris Hughton's stint as manager, and the 67-year-old has himself become one of the club's shrewdest acquisitions.

Having had previous scouting roles at Tottenham and Manchester City, Northumberland-born Carr is now poised to work for the club he has supported all his life well into his seventies.

Llambias said: "Graham works tirelessly to identify talented young players from across the world and has done a magnificent job over the last two years.

"He has the complete faith and support of the owner, the board and the manager, and it is excellent news that the club will continue to benefit from his expertise for many years to come."

PA