Geoff Shreeves - Sky Sports Expert

No ordinary Joe

JFK finally given something to smile about at Goodison Park

Posted: 07th October 2008 10:52

Send an email to Geoff ShreevesEmail Geoff Shreeves

joe kinnear stands

Kinnear: in the stands

By the end of the game Joe has thrown his phone away, been sent from the tunnel by the fourth official and the police. In our post-match interview No-Ordinary Joe swears (sic) that he will never talk to the press again.

Geoff Shreeves
Quotes of the week

There's nothing like a good old cliché, and I'm not talking about the father of Arsenal's left-back.

The oft-repeated 'there are no surprises in football' is a classic. This particular piece of beyond questionable wisdom is available to cover any slightly unusual occurrence in our glorious game such as surprise sackings, ludicrous appointments, staggering transfer fees etc etc. Bet now on next Premier League manager to go

However, events at Goodison Park yesterday were enough to retire this quaint phrase forever.

In order: Joe Kinnear is the temporary manager of Newcastle United appointed by Mike Ashley for approximately eight games.

He is banned from the touchline for a quarter of those games. Joe has to select a side yesterday minus seven full internationals who are injured.

Joe is in the dressing room just before half-time preparing his teamtalk on the basis of his side trailing 2-0. I bang on the door and inform him Steven Taylor has pulled one back. A pleasant surprised smile appears on his face. Cue hasty re-write of speech.

Sixteen minutes later, as Joe makes his way back down tunnel towards the directors' box, I again inform him of a Newcastle goal. 2-2. Joe is now not sure if he is having a bout of déjà vu or I'm having a laugh.

By the end of the game Joe has thrown his phone away, been sent from the tunnel by the fourth official and the police. In our post-match interview No Ordinary Joe swears that he will never talk to the press again.

I tell him his new nickname in the media is JFK. "Because I'm there to be shot at?" No because you are Joe F***ing Kinnear! Guffawing, he then decides to go and have some fun with the written press. Bet on Next Permanent Newcastle Manager - Kegan 5/4, Kinnear 9/1 or Shearer 12/1.

Beyond the other end of the humour scale though, was David Moyes.

Two-up, looking for the first home win of the season, and with Arsenal and Manchester United as your next two games, you can understand why he was so down.

I went to see him in the week at the club's new training ground, Finches Farm, on the outskirts of Liverpool.

As he showed me round proudly he listed all the improvements he still wanted to make in the future. This is a guy who cares passionately about his club.

He's been there for six-and-a-half years and even in these turbulent times I wouldn't bet against him being there in another six-and-a-half.

But then again, like I've always said, there are no surprises in football...

Comments

Jason Petty says...

im not a big fan of joe being a forest fan. but hes the right man at the moment. he wont take any nonsense. he will get the best out of the average players newcastle have.

Posted 11:51 12th October 2008

Gareth Kellett says...

wow, what a fantastic, well written piece. well done Geoff!!

Posted 14:52 10th October 2008

James Blevins says...

It looks as though Kinnear has some respect in the dressing room. I was delighted the way Newcastle fought back yesterday. Some pride at last!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 15:04 7th October 2008

Page 1 of 1

Add Comment*

All fields are required

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

Character Count : 0/1950

Please tick here if you wish to receive emails relating to Sky Sports.com or any other companies, services or products related to Sky Sports.com

Please send me the weekly Sky Sportszine - exclusive content, features and competitions to my inbox every Friday.

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private