Kinnear - Ashley could stay

Ashley: Has been criticised

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Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear believes owner Mike Ashley could be planning to extend his stay at St James' Park.

Kinnear, who was appointed on a temporary basis in September and recently had his contract extended to the end of the season, has also revealed that Ashley is considering ending his Tyneside exile.

The Magpies owner was blamed by fans for former manager Kevin Keegan's shock resignation earlier in the campaign and he has since steered well clear of St James' Park and is looking to sell the club.

However, Ashley announced in November that plans to sell had been put on hold after a failure to find a buyer and Kinnear now feels that his employer could be looking to stay.

Kinnear said in the Sunday Mirror: "He wants to get back on the scene and rebuild the club.

Reinvigorated

"I get the sense that he is planning to be here a bit longer. His passion for the club has been reinvigorated."

And the Toon boss believes that he will also remain at Newcastle for as long as Ashley stays at the club.

"He would stay on as owner and I would stay on as manager," added Kinnear. "I have been told my job is safe as long as he is here.

"Mike has already mentioned the possibility off staying on if the club is not sold. He said, 'you'll always be with me as long as I'm here'.

"We've spoken about the future and he said, 'it looks like I'm not going to be able to sell it, so we have to start thinking about next year'.

"He's coming to terms with the idea that he is not going to be able to sell the club for the money he wants."