Kinnear gets Newcastle contract for rest of season.
Newcastle is retaining manager Joe Kinnear until the end of the season, ending the lame duck status brought about by his rolling monthly contract.
The deal is a reward for Kinnear reviving the team’s fortunes since being brought in by owner Mike Ashley as a stopgap manager following Kevin Keegan’s resignation in September while he searched for a buyer.
“Ever since I came to Newcastle United I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” Kinnear said Friday. “The players have been great to work with and the fans have made me feel at home since day one. We have a big challenge ahead of us for the rest of the season but together I’m confident we will make good progress.”
The extended deal comes as talk of a sale of the club has stalled amid the global financial crisis, with Kinnear saying last weekend that American businessmen are interested but have not matched Ashley’s asking price.
“It has come out in my favor,” Kinnear said. “I was very unsure of things week in, week out.”
Ashley put the club up for sale after furious fans called for his departure in the wake of Keegan quitting due to his lack of power over player signings.
The 61-year-old Kinnear had already drawn up a target list for the January transfer window, and has been told by Ashley that funds will be forthcoming.
“It was one of the first things I asked about,” Kinnear said. “I have identified the players I want. We need to strengthen certain areas and I would like to bring three new faces in.
“I will go about my business quietly and hopefully we’ll be able to unveil new players in January.”
Despite losing just two of his eight games in charge and getting a 0-0 draw at leader Chelsea on Saturday, Newcastle is still in the relegation zone going into Saturday’s match at northeast rival Middlesbrough.
“Joe has done an excellent job since coming to the club, and everyone is delighted he has agreed to remain in charge for the rest of the season,” managing director Derek Llambias said.
Returning to management after a four-year absence, the former Wimbledon manager had a tempestuous start to the job in September.
Kinnear was warned about his conduct by the Football Association after launching into a torrent of expletive-laden abuse at reporters ahead of his first game in charge, accusing them of undermining his position.
His criticism of a “Mickey Mouse referee” after a 2-1 loss at Fulham earlier this month, prompted the FA to charge him Thursday with improper conduct.
He was angry that referee Martin Atkinson did not award the Magpies a free kick immediately before Fulham’s Andy Johnson scored the first goal from the penalty spot.
Kinnear has until Dec. 12 to respond to the charge.
