Joe Kinnear resigns as Newcastle director of football

Joe Kinnear has resigned from his position as Newcastle’s director of football.

Kinnear’s appointment last summer was met with anger from fans, who were unhappy with his five-month spell in charge of the club which ended when health reasons forced him to quit. He was replaced by Alan Shearer but the Toon legend was unable to prevent the club from being relegated.

Managing director Derek Llambias tendered his resignation in response to Kinnear’s appointment but owner Mike Ashley refused to buckle and asked the 67-year-old to head up the football side of the business.

“I believe I’m a very good judge of players, a good tactician and I intend to make Newcastle far better than they are now,” Kinnear told reporters at the time.

“I can see a good player and know a good player and get the right players in for us to be successful. I have no other agenda.

“I know I’ve got more knowledge than most people at Newcastle as a football manager and I’ll bend over backwards to make sure we are successful.”

When pressed on the fans reaction to his appointment, Kinnear said: “I heard a silly comment of what can I attract? I can open the door to any manager in the world, anyone, that’s the difference.

“I’ve spent my whole life talking to Alex Ferguson, week in, week out. What would you do?

“I can pick the phone up at any time of the day and speak to Arsene Wenger, any manager in the league. In all the divisions.”

Despite his confidence, Kinnear failed to make a permanent signing during the summer transfer window before allowing Yohan Cabaye to join Paris Saint Germain before Friday’s transfer deadline.

Fans reacted angrily to Cabaye’s departure and on Monday night a club statement confirmed Kinnear had stepped down from his role with immediate effect.