Francis: Set for talks

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Gerry Francis could make a decision on a coaching offer from Newcastle United in the next few days.

Newcastle interim manager Joe Kinnear has approached Francis about a possible position on Tyneside as he looks to build temporary backroom staff alongside current first-team assistant Chris Hughton.

And Francis - who already occupies a coaching job at Stoke - is proud to be approached by Newcastle and has confirmed that any potential role would be on a part-time basis and that he is set for further talks with Kinnear.

"I have spoken to Joe Kinnear and I have been made an offer," Francis told Sky Sports News. "We will meet in the next few days to discuss it.

"It will be a coaching role and it will not be full time. Anyone would see it (working at Newcastle) as an honour."

Uncertain

But the former Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur boss insists that there are a number of factors which he needs to consider before making a decision on Kinnear's offer.

An air of uncertainty surrounds Newcastle as owner Mike Ashley continues his attempts to sell the club, and it is unclear how long Kinnear - who Francis has not worked with in the past - will remain in charge of the Magpies.

"It is an unusual situation there, and there are things to work out," continued Francis.

"I have to look at the whole situation. We will have to chat and see what he (Kinnear) wants.

"Also, there is the time factor - I don't know how long Joe will be there. I will look at it, decide what to do, and take it from there.

Experience

"I don't know Joe that well and have never worked with him.

"But it is a new experience for me and it wouldn't faze me."

However, Francis admits that he would find it difficult to leave Stoke and he is relishing the challenge of proving the critics, who tipped the Potters for Premier League relegation, wrong.

"I am at a good football club at the moment," added Francis. "I really enjoy it at Stoke and that (proving the critics wrong) is a difficult job."