Magpies eye Francis

Possible coaching role for former Spurs man

Last updated: 5th October 2008

Gerry Francis

Francis: Newastle role?

I have known Gerry Francis all my life, he's a great coach.

Joe Kinnear
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

Also see

Joe Kinnear has confirmed that Newcastle are holding talks with Gerry Francis about joining him at St James' Park.

Kinnear is only interim manager at St James' Park but he has decided he needs help on the coaching field.

Kinnear feels that former Tottenham boss Francis would be able to offer assistance to himself and Chris Hughton in a part-time capacity.

"There is only me and Chris (Hughton), and we have a lot of lads to work with. We need to work in smaller numbers," said Kinnear.

"I have known Gerry Francis all my life, he's a great coach. I know he is tied up with media work so I put an offer to him to come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"He can do some solid work and I will pay him accordingly. He has no desire to be a manager or anything full-time. He won't be involved in anything on Saturdays.

"I feel we need someone with that experience. He will not be a number two or anything like that, I will be meeting him for a meal on Monday afternoon to discuss it. There is a good chance something will happen.

"If it is not Gerry I will still be bringing someone else in, to specialise in certain things in small groups - defence, midfield, strikers."