Kinnear primed for lesser role in Magpies upheaval
Joe Kinnear is unlikely to be in the Newcastle dugout next season whether or not the club are relegated
Newcastle United face a summer of upheaval regardless of which division they are playing in next season.
With manager Joe Kinnear stating yesterday that he may assume a less high-profile position after his recent heart operation and with Dennis Wise, the executive director, set to leave the club, more change is beckoning, although the hierarchy at St James' Park is adamant that entering administration is not on the agenda.
Having said recently that relegation was "inconceivable", Derek Llambias, the Newcastle managing director, has admitted that the club would "restructure our business plan" in the event of demotion but, in any case, key personnel will be replaced or have their roles redefined. That includes Kinnear who has spent the past seven weeks recuperating from triple bypass surgery.
Kinnear will meet his specialists next Monday, when the extent of his recovery will be gauged. While the 62-year-old has spoken about returning to management before the end of the season, any comeback will be controlled. Kinnear, whose deal expires in June, has been offered a two-year contract extension, but has his health as well as other personal matters to consider.
The Dubliner, who is held in high regard by Mike Ashley, the Newcastle owner, did not deny suggestions that he may effectively replace Wise -- blamed by many supporters for Kevin Keegan's departure -- in a director of football capacity. "I'm just desperate to be back and do what I can for Newcastle," Kinnear said. "I still think we have enough quality players to see us through this.
"What's happening will never happen again. Whatever happens, I will have an input. If I can't do certain things, I will be speaking to players and working at the training ground."
Much will depend on whether Newcastle can scrabble their way to safety -- they are third from bottom of the Premier League and play host to Chelsea on Saturday -- but Ashley appears wedded to a controversial managerial structure. Wise was thought to be unhappy with Kinnear's decision to sign Peter Lovenkrands in January.
Successor
Alan Shearer is unlikely to agree to manage Newcastle in such circumstances, which would leave Steve Bruce, Wigan Athletic's Geordie manager, as the bookmakers' favourite to succeed Kinnear, should that eventuality arise. Privately, Newcastle have cast doubt on Dave Whelan's contention that Bruce would not work under Ashley; the Wigan chairman is a long-standing business rival of the sportswear retailer.
Newcastle, who have an annual wage bill of about £70m, are not believed to have made provisions for relegation in the contracts of most of their employees, but Llambias has rejected reports that Ashley would seek to place the club into administration.
"It is ridiculous, it is unfounded and it is upsetting," he said. "There is no truth in it whatsoever... people are having a go at us again.
"We would have to restructure our business plan like anyone else who gets relegated. Our finances are fairly strong. There would be no chance of administration."
Ashley, who will conduct a TV interview next month, is not immune, however, to the economic conditions. "He has been affected by the credit crunch," Llambias said. "(But) the club is not for sale. We have to make sure we get our team and our supporters behind us and off we go." (© The Times, London)
- George Caulkin
