Kinnear backed for Toon job

Duff praises interim manager and says he deserves full-time role

By James Dall   Last updated: 18th November 2008

Kinnear backed for Toon job

Duff: Kinnear backing

BET ON FOOTBALL
Who will become Newcastle's next permanent boss - Joe Kinnear or Alan Shearer?
Sky Bet have Shearer installed as the 5/2 favourite after a run of money last week with interim boss Kinnear a 9/2 shot.
Kevin Keegan (6/1) is still fancied to make a return, while former Spurs assistant Gus Poyet (10/1) and Reading boss Steve Coppell (16/1) have their backers.
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Damien Duff has told skysports.com he would 'love' to see Joe Kinnear handed the Newcastle United managerial job on a full-time basis.

Kinnear is currently interim boss at St James' Park after his shock appointment in September following the departure of Kevin Keegan.

Keegan's exit was followed by unrest from the Tyneside faithful and led to pressure on owner Mike Ashley, who is now looking to sell.

Reports on Tuesday have linked Magpies legend Alan Shearer with a permanent role following comments from his former England and Newcastle team-mate Rob Lee.

But Duff is backing Kinnear, who has won two of his seven games in charge, after explaining the ex-Wimbledon chief has steadied the troubled club.

Resolution

Speaking at an adiPure photo shoot, Duff told skysports.com: "From a football point of view I think we have done that [found stability] at the minute with Joe coming in. He has steadied the ship.

"We have got some good results under him. He has done well. But obviously from the top, the owner is trying to sell the club so hopefully we can get that resolved sooner rather than later.

"He has done what he has in a quiet way. He hasn't really come in shouting from the rooftops. He is someone to answer to. You need that in every line of work. I think the results have shown his impact.

"Definitely (the players have taken to him), yes. I would love to see him get the job. We'll see I suppose over the next coming weeks or months."