Kinnear blames Newcastle slump on Keegan, Allardyce

Newcastle coach Joe Kinnear has laid the blame for the club’s poor form on his predecessors in the St James’ Park hot seat – Kevin Keegan and Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce’s Blackburn thumped Newcastle 3-0 on Saturday to leave the Magpies just two points clear of the relegation zone.

And Kinnear believes that lowly position is due to past mismanagement resulting in him inheriting a weak squad when he was appointed on a rolling contract in September.

“Our biggest problem is a lack of strength in depth. Why wasn’t it addressed by the last manager (Keegan) or the manager before him (Allardyce)?

“I am carrying the can for it. It is as simple as that.”

Kinnear, who claimed this week he has been offered a “lucrative” contract to stay at the helm past the end of the season, is optimistic owner Mike Ashley will provide money to strengthen the squad.

“I have spelled out the gravity of the situation,” Kinnear continued.

“I say, ‘We’re not prepared for anything like the disaster we face and you’ve got to realise the importance of that’.

“I want to be judged on what I bring in. The depth of the first-team squad is not right at the moment.

“We must look to stay up this season and have a big clear-out in the summer and address everything completely differently.”

Kinnear admits he is worried the Magpies could drop to the Championship next season.

“I lie in bed and worry and dread this situation. I’m a proud fella and I don’t want to be relegated.”