By Craig Hope

NEWCASTLE United's opening-day opponents West Bromwich Albion have installed Roberto Di Matteo as their new boss.

The Italian will be in the dugout at The Hawthorns on August 8 when the sides get their Championship campaign underway in front of a live BBC audience (kick-off 5.30pm).

Former Magpie Academy director Alan Irvine, now boss of Preston North End, was also on a shortlist of two, but he rejected the chance to fill the Baggies hot-seat.

Former Chelsea star Di Matteo, who guided Milton Keynes Dons to last season's League One play-offs, has signed a one-year rolling contract with the Midlands club.