Newcastle sign Krul until 2017 and Colo until 2016

Newcastle United have announced that both Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini have signed new contracts at the club.

Tim Krul has signed a five year extension at the club meaning that he is now signed up until 2017 while Fabricio Coloccini has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2016.

The news will come as a boost ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby and will move to allay fears that we were about to lose our club captain over the summer. The most heartwarming thing for me is that Colo is a big earner at the club and I had thought that we might struggle to retain his services as Mike Ashley looks to make us run in a self-sufficient manner, so being able to hold on to him has shown to me that we will pay money if it is required.

Personally I'm buzzing about this news and I can't honestly think of anything better to lift the spirits heading into the 146th Tyne-Wear derby. It shows progression, a willingness to retain our top players and ambition for the future.

Alan Pardew had this to say on the matter:

"These are two fantastic deals for the Club and we are all absolutely delighted," he old the Club website.

"To secure new contracts for Fabricio and Tim, two pivotal players at the Club, is terrific news for all concerned, not just ahead of the derby but for the long-term future of the Club."

"It underlines the importance that we as a Club place on building and retaining top class talent, and it demonstrates the intent of Newcastle United to be major players in the Premier League."

"I would also like to place on record my thanks to Mike and Derek for their hard work and continued financial backing in ensuring these deals were completed."

"We now turn our attentions to tomorrow's big game, boosted by this news - which I hope gives our incredible fans a huge lift too - and with the confidence to really make this a season to remember."

Interviews and reaction from Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini to follow.