Toon rule out Kinnear return

15 July 2009 09:48
Newcastle have confirmed that they have no plans to bring back Joe Kinnear to fill their managerial void. A report in Wednesday's press claimed that the veteran boss was poised to make a shock return to the St James' Park hot-seat. The former Wimbledon chief was initially appointed following Kevin Keegan's exit last year before being forced to step aside due to health problems in February. Kinnear underwent a triple heart bypass operation and his anticipated return to the dug-out before the end of the season never materialised as he continued his recovery. Owner Mike Ashley turned to club legend Alan Shearer for the final eight games of the campaign, but he was unable to prevent the Magpies sliding into the Championship on the final day of the season. Ashley's decision to sell the club in the summer put Shearer in limbo, with the England international eager to be appointed on a full-time basis, but unable to take the post with new owners waiting to be installed. Several parties have expressed an interest in meeting Ashley's £100million asking price, but despite continued negotiations a deal is yet to be struck. A Magpies club statement read: "Reports in the press this morning that Joe Kinnear is to be appointed as Newcastle United manager are not true. "The position remains that the club is still in the market to be sold and is still negotiating with prospective buyers." Coach Chris Hughton has been placed in charge of training with the opening game of the new season at West Brom on 8th August rapidly approaching. Veteran midfielder Nicky Butt has become the latest Magpies player to demand an end to the uncertainty on Tyneside. Butt told The Journal: "I don't know what to say about the managerial situation. "The sooner it is resolved, the better - but we have been saying that since mid-January and we are still here, so we will see. "It's difficult for some players because they don't know where their future lies. I think that's a difficult one." And the former England international has backed Shearer's claims for the post, despite his record of just one win from his eight games at the helm. Butt said: "I think the job needs to be (going to) someone of Alan's stature. "I do feel Alan is favoured by a lot of people, and I do feel that he would do a very good job."

Source: SKY_Sports