Megson relates to Kinnear rant

Trotters boss defends new Magpies chief

Last updated: 7th October 2008

Megson relates to Kinnear rant

Kinnear: Press blast

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Bolton boss Gary Megson has defended Joe Kinnear's foul-mouthed blast at the media on Thursday.

The Newcastle manager caused a storm at the Magpies' training ground as he personally attacked individual members of the assembled press for their coverage of his appointment on Tyneside.

The former Wimbledon boss was furious at the reaction to his decision to allow his new squad to have a day off on Monday, his first in the job.

Kinnear claimed he had been 'ridiculed for no reason' and hinted at taking legal action against his detractors.

Megson faced similar criticism from the media upon his arrival at Reebok Stadium and understands the frustration felt by his managerial counterpart.

Issue

"Joe has got the hump and the guy in the media seemed to be suggesting that Newcastle's players shouldn't have had Monday off," said Megson.

"But I can't see what is wrong with that because Newcastle are playing on Sunday and therefore have an extra day to prepare.

"It's a huge football club and Joe needs to meet all the staff and let everyone know how he wants to do things.

"You can't do everything in 24 hours, but from a football point of view I don't think it was an issue.

Unfair

"I've read the interview and Joe was apparently happy for it to go out, but the only thing that helps in any respect in football is by winning matches.

"It's like a goldfish bowl up there and it must be difficult to deal with.

"Joe Kinnear has been out of the game for a while now and he has got to be given a chance.

"To start jumping on somebody's back, in their first day in the job, is a little bit unfair."

Legitimate

Meanwhile, Megson has played down reports that Bolton may be set to join the compensation fight following the Carlos Tevez affair at the climax of the 2006/07 season.

"Everyone will have some form of link to the Carlos Tevez affair when he was at West Ham, be it a direct or tenuous link," added the Trotters boss.

"I think the only people who have got a really legitimate case are Sheffield United (who were relegated), and from our point of view, I'm positive we won't be doing anything about it."