Kinnear claims Newcastle job offer on table
NEWCASTLE’S chaotic preparations for life in the Championship took a further twist yesterday when former manager Joe Kinnear claimed to have been offered the job once again.
Kinnear, who took over when Kevin Keegan departed in September only to be sidelined by heart surgery five months later, says he rejected a two-year deal last week on health grounds. The Magpies ended the season with fans’ favourite Alan Shearer in charge but a permanent deal for the former England captain has not emerged while owner Mike Ashley attempts to sell the club.
But with the Championship season set to kick off tomorrow, Kinnear, 62, says he could be ready to resume charge in September.
“I spoke to managing director Derek Llambias, we had a long chat and he offered me a two-year contract,” Kinnear said. “They wanted to announce it last week but I’ve put it on hold. I’ve told them I need another month.”
However, Kinnear appeared to contradict himself in another interview published earlier yesterday. He said: “I’ve told Mike I’m not going back for at least another three months.”