Lee Clark is back in football management after taking on a job in the Middle East.
The former Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City and Blackpool boss has taken on the challenge of managing Al Ittihad in Oman and guided his new side to a 0-0 draw against Al Nahda in his first match.
Clark, who last managed in Sudan with Al-Merrikh last summer, is delighted to be back in football and is hoping to increase his knowledge of world football.
Clark told the Chronicle from the Middle East: "I've been speaking to a number of clubs overseas in the last few weeks but once I spoke to the club and the president here I decided I wanted to come over here and give it a go.
"The infrastructure of the club is very good and the set-up is great.
"The stadium is good and they are moving into a new training ground next month.
"Once I arrived I got a feel for the area.
"The country have been very welcoming."
Clark will still continue to watch Newcastle from afar and will be penning his weekly Chronicle column from slightly sunnier climes but admits he is buzzing to be back on the training field again ahead of his challenge in the Oman Professional League.
Clark added: "I have loved it.
"This is a different environment and culture and you have to get used to that.
"How they live their lives and things like that.
"I had my first game and we drew 0-0 against a team who are third top.
"The lads done really well.
"We now have a break as we have a cup tie next month so we can get some good work into the players.
"I'm looking forward to it.
"We're working out in the sun and they have given me an apartment on the beach which was a nice personal touch.
"But the massive thing for me is to be back on the grass and working with the players, I'm really enjoying that.
"I get a buzz out of it and enjoying the coaching side of it."
