Kinnear set for April return

16 March 2009 11:32
Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear remains on course to return to work next month as he continues his recovery from heart surgery.[LNB] Reports over the weekend suggested Kinnear had suffered a setback after undergoing a triple heart bypass in February.[LNB]However, the Magpies insist Kinnear has only caught a chest cold and is still on course to be back at the helm for either the trip to Stoke on 11th April or the visit to Tottenham a week later.[LNB]Caretaker-manager Chris Hughton, who is in regular touch with Kinnear, is certainly expecting that to be the case.[LNB]"The indications are - and I haven't heard anything different to that - that he would return round about the Stoke or Spurs games," said Hughton.[LNB]"But we will all be guided by the experts in that field, and more so one person himself, and that's Joe.[LNB]"That's where we are at the moment. Whether that changes or not, we will find out.[LNB]"Joe is still in that period where his rehabilitation has gone very well.[LNB]"But he has had big surgery and there are days when he is better than other days."[LNB]DenialThe club has also dismissed claims Terry Venables could be drafted in amid fears Kinnear may not return before the end of the season.[LNB]However, Hughton and coach Colin Calderwood have been asked to hold the fort until the former Wimbledon boss is ready to come back, and it is understood no further appointment would be made even if there was a significant delay.[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports