Joe Kinnear was made interim Newcastle manager after Kevin Keegan left the club.
On 26 September 2008, Joe Kinnear became the interim manager of Newcastle, following Kevin Keegan’s resignation.
The Magpies legend had stepped down from his second spell as Newcastle manager due to tension between himself and owner Mike Ashley, with Keegan believing he was not getting the financial backing to help his side break into the top four, with players being brought in that he did not approve of, notably that of Ignacio Gonzalez.
With Newcastle now without a manager, Ashley turned to Kinnear, who had been without a job since he left his job at Nottingham Forest almost four years earlier.
Joe Kinnear with Mike Ashley
The former three-time Premier League Manager of the Month was initially appointed for a month, but that deal was then extended until December, before later being given the reigns until the end of the season.
His time in charge was eventful to say the least, including a foul-mouthed interview with journalists, which resulted in Kinnear stating he would only speak to local reporters. Kinnear would also call midfielder Charles N’Zogbia ‘Insomnia’, which led to the Frenchman saying he would never play for the club again, joining Wigan in the January transfer window.
Kinnear became ill in February 2009, with assistant Chris Hughton taking over initially for the trip to West Brom, winning his first game and picking up Newcastle’s first victory since December.
Alan Shearer – Newcastle United Manager
It was announced that Kinnear would need heart surgery, and that Alan Shearer would take charge in his absence. Newcastle were eventually relegated from the Premier League, and Kinnear’s contract expired.
The controversial figure would return to the club in 2013, appointed as Director of Football, but would then resign in February 2014.
Newcastle United’ fans hold up a banner directed at Director of Football Joe Kinnear
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