Harford snubs Newcastle role

Mick Harford has rejected an offer to return to Newcastle United after an approach from director of football Joe Kinnear.

Kinnear was keen for the 54-year-old, who is currently first-team coach at Championship side Millwall, to work as his assistant behind the scenes at St James’ Park.

The duo previously played together at Wimbledon and worked alongside each another at Luton and Nottingham Forest, but Harford has decided against re-joining Newcastle.

Harford spent one season at Newcastle as a player in the early 1980s and has expressed his pride at being approached for a role at the club.

“After meeting with Mike Ashley and Joe Kinnear, I made the hard decision that it is not the right time for me to take up this role,” he told Sky Sports News.

“It was an honour to be asked to work at a fantastic club and I have the utmost respect for the Newcastle United and its fans.

“I am currently enjoying a role helping out at Millwall, but would like to thank Mike Ashley and Joe Kinnear for the opportunity.”