Bond named as Roeder's assistant

Newcastle have appointed Portsmouth assistant manager Kevin Bond as number two to new boss Glenn Roeder.

Bond will link up with the Magpies in time for pre-season training in July, according to BBC Radio Solent.

"It's mixed emotions, having to leave Portsmouth," admitted Bond. "Newcastle have been huge under-achievers and there are great expectation levels.

"That in itself is going to be a pressure, but it is definitely one that I am really looking forward to."

Bond returned to Pompey to rejoin manager Harry Redknapp in January and he says leaving Redknapp will be a hugh wrench.

"Probably the biggest decision that I faced was leaving Harry Redknapp," added Bond.

"Harry has been absolutely fantastic to me over the last six or seven years.

"He told me he was disappointed to be losing me, but he understood that it is an exciting challenge for me."