Magpies rule out Kinnear return

Kinnear: Return ruled out

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Newcastle have ruled out Joe Kinnear making a shock return to St James' Park as manager, Sky Sports News understands.

Kinnear had claimed that he had been offered a two-year contract by owner Mike Ashley, even though his health concerns mean he will not be fit to return to football until November.

But the Magpies, who remain up for sale following their relegation to the Championship, have made it known that the former Wimbledon boss will not be returning to the helm.

Kinnear, appointed in September last year following Kevin Keegan's departure, was forced to step down in February due to ill-health and subsequently underwent a triple heart bypass operation.

Alan Shearer was placed in charge for the final eight games of the season but was unable to save the club from the drop, with Ashley then putting the St James' Park outfit on the market for interest parties.

Despite ongoing negotiations, no new buyer has been found and the club remains in limbo with Chris Hughton in temporary charge ahead of this weekend's Championship kick-off.

Kinnear had claimed he was considering Ashley's supposed offer, but would not be in a position to take up the post until November at the earliest due to his continuing recovery from surgery.

Mulling over

The former Wimbledon boss had said: "I have been offered a two-year contract and it is something I am mulling over at the present time.

"I have told Mike I am not going to go back to football for at least another three months and we will look at the situation then.

"I told him I would refuse to go back for pre-season friendlies as I was not up to it for medical reasons.

"I needed to take time out and re-assess the situation and take it from there. But obviously in another three months the picture might be completely different.

"In the meantime if Newcastle feel the need to go and get another manager then so be it."

However, Sky Sports News reporter David Craig has spoken to the club, who admitted officials had spoken to Kinnear as they continue to stand by him during his ongoing recovery, but that suggestions of a return to the managerial hotseat were wide of the mark.