Kinnear appointed as Newcastle boss

Former Wimbledon, Luton and Nottingham Forest boss Joe Kinnear has agreed to step in as interim manager of Newcastle until the end of next month, the troubled club announced on Friday.

The unexpected deal with the 61-year-old came after former England manager Terry Venables rejected the opportunity to plug the gap left by Kevin Keegan's departure on a similar basis.

Club owner Mike Ashley is reluctant to appoint a permanent successor to Keegan for fear it could undermine his efforts to find a buyer.

In a statement describing Kinnear as “vastly-experienced”, Newcastle said the former Tottenham and Ireland defender “has agreed to take temporary charge of first team affairs at St. James' Park until the end of October”.

Kinnear inherits a squad that has lost its last four matches, is currently second from bottom of the Premier League and will be without key striker Obafemi Martins for the duration of his month in charge.

He nevertheless said he was optimistic about turning the club's fortunes around.

“I am very excited about the challenge in front of me at Newcastle United,” he said. “Results have not been great of late, but there is a lot of quality in the squad and I am very confident the players are capable of climbing the league table.

“Newcastle United is a great club. When I was in charge of Wimbledon I always remember the passion of the fans up there and how great a stadium St. James' Park is.

“It is a big challenge but one I am really looking forward to.”