Despite an extremely heated exchange with journalists a few weeks ago, it appears that the interim Magpies manager is enjoying life at St James’ Park. Indeed, the team have shown some much-needed fighting qualities since Joe Kinnear arrived at the club, drawing with Everton and Manchester City in their past two matches and going to the Stadium of Light on Saturday with confidence restored.
The BBC report that the former Wimbledon gaffer couldn’t be happier on Tyneside after signing a contract extension, which makes a difference from many of his predecessors, who have felt burdened by the weight of expectation from the supporters. While it was virtually unthinkable that Kinnear would become permanent manager a few short weeks ago, it’s now becoming a distinct reality.
He said: “I love it. It’s the best thing I have ever done, it really is.
“I have tried on numerous occasions to get myself back in. All the interviews that I’d had, I had asked if I could just make a statement and have them to listen to what I had to say.
“But it was, ‘How’s your heart?’, ‘How’s your medical situation?’, so really, I was written off, to be honest.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to let everybody know I am back in the business.”
Indeed, even if Kinnear isn’t kept on at Newcastle, you can imagine there will be a few other interested parties in someone who has started to instil a never-say-die spirit at the club. Would Magpies supporters like to see him kept on a permanent basis when the new owners come in (whenever that happens to be)?
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