Taylor ´really happy´ with Kinnear return

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor is “really happy” to see Joe Kinnear back at the club in a director of football role.

Kinnear was manager at Newcastle for a chunk of the 2008-09 campaign before he suffered a heart attack and the club went on to be relegated from the Premier League that season.

The former Wimbledon boss was confirmed in his new position on Tuesday but has come under fire after insulting Newcastle fans and mispronouncing the names of several players in a bizarre radio interview on Monday.

But Taylor revealed that he enjoyed playing under Kinnear and believes his arrival will provide a boost for the St James’ Park outfit.

“I am really happy to see Joe back at the club and I think his return can only be positive for everyone connected to the club,” the 27-year-old told Sky Sports.

“Joe was great for me when he was manager and I really enjoyed playing for him.

“We were in a great position under Joe in the league until he got ill and it was after that that things went wrong.

“Joe wears his heart on his sleeve and he tells it as it is and I think he is someone that Newcastle exactly need.

“Joe has lots of experience and he is very knowledgeable and I for one am really excited to see him back at Newcastle.”