McQueen, first-team coach for two years after five years with the reserves, has quit the Premiership club following talks with new manager Steve McClaren.

McClaren plans to appoint his own coaching staff and McQueen was unhappy over a revised role in the new set-up.

The departure of McQueen from the Riverside Stadium is a surprise as, when manager Brian Robson and Viv Anderson left last week, it was announced that McQueen would stay at the club.

McQueen said: "I would like to wish Steve McClaren all the best but I feel it's time for a new challenge."

McClaren wants to appoint Steve Harrison, of Aston Villa, as assistant manager and Steve Round, of Derby County, as reserve team coach.