Source: SKY_Sports
Magpies stand by Kinnear
ewcastle United managing director Derek Llambias insists the club have no plans to replace Joe Kinnear.[LNB] Magpies boss Kinnear is currently recuperating from a heart bypass operation and is targeting a return to the dugout in April.[LNB]Kinnear's health issues have prompted suggestions that Newcastle could look to bring in a new manager, but Llambias says that is not the case.[LNB]"Joe Kinnear is still Newcastle United manager and he will continue to be going forward," said Llambias in the Daily Telegraph. [LNB]"We are not looking to replace Joe, we want him to continue as manager because we feel he is the right man for the job. We like him and we trust him, that is very important for us as we look to move forward. [LNB]"We have heard people saying we're after this manager and that manager in the last couple of weeks, but we want Joe to come back and carry on the job he started. [LNB]"It will depend on his health, of course, but unless he has a relapse he will be back in charge. He's at home recovering well and he is desperate to get back on board again. He's strong and he's convinced he will be coming back." [LNB]SensibleChris Hughton is currently in caretaker charge, along with Colin Calderwood, and Llambias says the club have faith in Kinnear's right-hand man.[LNB]He added: "Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood are in charge of the team in his absence and we are happy to have them. But when Joe's well again he will be back in charge. [LNB]"He has targeted the Stoke game (on 11th April) for his comeback and I wouldn't be surprised if he tries to come back sooner than that. We have to rein him in a bit, though. We have to be sensible and so does he.[LNB]"It's an uphill struggle at times. He's been constantly on the phone to Chris Hughton and myself since he was released from hospital. [LNB]"We're having to hold him back if anything and tell him he's got to concentrate on his recovery, but that's the passion of the man. He loves the job and it consumes him. [LNB]"I know some of the fans have questioned whether he is the right man for the job, but I hope they give him the time to convince them that he is."[LNB]
