Kinnear to have triple heart bypass op

Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear will undergo a triple heart bypass operation on Friday, the Premier League club confirmed on Thursday.

Kinnear’s assistants Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood will continue to look after first-team affairs at St James’ Park.

They have been in charge since Kinnear was taken to hospital complaining of pains in his arms ahead of his side’s win at West Bromwich Albion last Saturday.

After a series of tests it was decided that the 62-year-old needs the operation immediately.

In 1999, Kinnear suffered a heart attack before a match against Sheffield Wednesday during his time as Wimbledon manager.

A club statement said: “Newcastle United can confirm that manager Joe Kinnear will undergo a triple heart bypass operation tomorrow (Friday).

“Joe was admitted to hospital on Saturday morning in the midlands after reporting feeling unwell at the team’s hotel ahead of the game at West Bromwich Albion.

“Tests have since confirmed Joe requires surgery, after which he will need to rest for a period of at least eight weeks.”