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Why I'm backing Joe Kinnear

Premier League Newcastle United
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Joe Kinnear

I'll admit it, I think the return of Joe Kinnear to the Premier League is a great thing.

Ok, we're yet to see what he can to do to stop the rot at Newcastle on the field, but at least he's livening things up off it.

Switch on Match of the Day on a Saturday night and, give or take the odd drubbing of a referee, the responses from players and managers are pretty anodyne.

But having heard and read the events of Kinnear's press conference from Thursday, it is clear that the Irishman is anything but bland, inoffensive and innocuous.

Granted, I wasn't on the receiving end of his tirade, and perhaps if I was I'd think a little differently, but I think it shows that Kinnear actually cares.

Newcastle fans have been crying out for someone to come in and do the job with loyalty, passion and respect.

Kinnear knows he only has a couple of months to make a difference and could easily sit back, take the money and peddle the usual managerial cliches... safe in the knowledge someone will come in when the new board takes over.

Instead he seems to be genuinely excited about the prospect of taking charge, he's hungry and his track record with regard to rescue jobs is half decent.

I'm a Forest fan and there were plenty of groans back in February 2004 when Kinnear took charge at the City Ground with the club struggling to avoid relegation from the Championship.

As it happens Kinnear did the job, he brought in solid, hardworking players such as Paul Evans and Alan Rogers who grafted and toiled, and dragged the better players within the side such as Gareth Williams and Andy Reid back into form.

His teams play their football like he talks - tough, physical and direct, and at Forest it was no exception... but it worked.

We stayed up, and barring a thoroughly embarassing 4-2 defeat at Derby (4-2, Barry Roche's coffee cup incident), Kinnear restored a bit of pride to the team and fans.

Alas, the relationship turned sour as we struggled to maintain our end-of-season surge the following campaign and Kinnear became increasingly maligned by the supporters.

But he had done his bit in those early months and that is often forgotten.

But it was his refreshingly blunt attitude I always liked.

People drag up the 'Coco the Clown' quote about the referee - but the chap in question ignored a rugby tackle on Andy Reid by Gills player-boss Andy Hessenthaler, and then proceeded later in the game to send off Alan Rogers for an innocuous challenge.

The biggest test will be be winning over the players, as his previous reigns have involved working with less high-profile names, and the fans, who wanted a big name, and will not be too impressed if he adopts his usual direct approach.

Yes, he's prone to the odd name gaffe, and he might be a little old-school in his methods, but I wouldn't bet against him having an impact in some shape or form at St James' Park.

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comment by wombletiltheend (U12662196)

posted Oct 5, 2008

Anyone willing to estimate how many articles will spring up within 5 minutes slating Joe Kinnear when Newcastle lose today. Joe is better than KK but he can't work wonders. Everton will win 2-0.

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comment by jigglybean (U7796371)

posted Oct 5, 2008

You are forgetting the success he brought Luton before Newell screwed it all up. He basically turned the club around with good purchases and good management, taking Luton twice.

I wish Joe all the best. Going to Newcastle when it is in this mess is not an easy task for any manager but Joe will be professional and passionate about getting good results. Give him a chance

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comment by shaft120 (U1791917)

posted Oct 6, 2008

The guy is a breath of fresh air. Cloughey will be laughing his arse off in heaven.

A true mangerial representation of the fans!

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comment by geordieSai (U13764051)

posted Dec 31, 2008

I must admit that i wasnt jumping for joy when Kinnear was appointed, but as he has gone about his business i have grown to respect him, his antics during interviews and media situations are a reminder that he is commited and involved instead of sitting back and taking the money for a seasons work ,the spirit in the team and the stability that he has given us is going to keep us up. cme the end of the season we will see who is laughing last... forget Mourinho, Jose Kinnear is where its at.

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comment by Tha Strawberry's tha cream!(NUFC) (U13354569)

posted Dec 31, 2008

geordieSai - Why on earth you need to dig up this old article from October is beyond me.

Joe Kinnear has done sterling work at the club, and will do so until the end of the season.

I will shake his hand in a genuine fashion and thank him sincerely for grasping the nettle no one else wouldok.

But that is where it must end.

The end of this season.

He isn't cut out tactically for this level of football anymore.

The home drubbing by Liverpool highlighted this.

Thanks Joe, but eventually no thanksok
strawberries

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comment by geordieSai (U13764051)

posted Dec 31, 2008

The Inimical 'StrawberryDrinker' Truth

as somebody who has just joined 606 i commented on am article which interested me, whats the problem?

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comment by Tha Strawberry's tha cream!(NUFC) (U13354569)

posted Dec 31, 2008

geordieSai - There's no problem with researching the archives...

I'm just jealous as i don't have that much spare time!biggrin

Welcome to 606ok.

Happy postinglove...and a Happy New Year to you sir.
strawberries

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comment by wombletiltheend (U12662196)

posted Dec 31, 2008

Easy on the smileys mate...

Joe is what Newcastle needed, he might not be genius, he probably won't get near winning a trophy to be brutally honest but he has shored it up and instilled some belief.

KK deserted Newcastle.

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comment by Tha Strawberry's tha cream!(NUFC) (U13354569)

posted Dec 31, 2008

wombletiltheend - A real winning endorsment there for JK...

You're not his agent are you?

I'm well aware KK walked...thanks.

What NUFC need is a fresh start with a modern manager,(Steve Bruce), to sign a 5-year deal and see it through.

HNYTY!
strawberries

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comment by wombletiltheend (U12662196)

posted Dec 31, 2008

Haha,

He's not the best in the business, can't claim he is but he's done the job and will keep you up. Better than many other managers would have done. Reckon you should keep him then avoid big name for the sake of it. Just get a decent, hard working guy, Bruce would be good.

Happy New Year

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