Kinnear hits back at criticism

Watch the interim boss' first game in charge on Sunday on Sky Sports

By James Dall   Last updated: 2nd October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Kinnear hits back at criticism

Kinnear: Disappointed

They [the media] have not asked anybody of any quality that worked with me for many years what I am really like. Unfortunately it has been 'stab Joe Kinnear in the back week'. They have only spoken with people I have had a row with

Joe Kinnear
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Joe Kinnear has told Sky Sports News some of the media reports following his appointment at Newcastle United have been a 'a pack of lies'.

The former Wimbledon, Luton and Nottingham Forest boss was unveiled as interim manager on Tyneside last week as the club look to steady the ship amidst poor form and instability.

The Magpies have lost four consecutive matches since Kevin Keegan's departure, with the search for a permanent successor on hold while owner Mike Ashley conducts talks with eight consortiums over the sale of the club.

Kinnear's appointment at St James' Park was not universally well received, but the 61-year-old Irishman has hit back at the criticism.

Far-fetched

He told Sky Sports News: "It [the past week] has been very hectic and most enjoyable, except for some of the media coverage.

"Some of it has been way off the mark and some of it has been far-fetched and some of it is basically a pack of lies.

"But I have tried not to focus on it too much. They [the media] have not asked anybody of any quality that worked with me for many years what I am really like.

"Unfortunately it has been 'stab Joe Kinnear in the back week'. They have only spoken with people I have had a row with. I am disappointed with it."

Carr return

Kinnear went on to confirm that the club are unlikely to pursue their previous interest in bringing full-back Stephen Carr back to the club.

He added: "It would have been for very short-term. But now we have the full-backs back, I don't think there will be any more interest.

"Jose Enrique is back now, and that will take one of the full-back positions. Habib Beye will train tomorrow."