Kinnear to sign extension with Newcastle

Newcastle United’s interim manager Joe Kinnear will sign a one-month extension to his short-term contract as owner Mike Ashley continues to seek out buyers for the club, reports said Friday.

Kinnear’s reign was scheduled to end after Tuesday’s home game against West Bromwich Albion.

But the former Wimbledon manager said: “It’s a monthly situation because I know they are in talks – who with, I have no idea.

“It is just like a rolling contract, one month after another month and then take it from there.”

Kinnear, who weeks ago became embroiled in an expletive-laden rant with journalists during a first press conference for the club, says he is trying to ignore the steady stream of reports naming longer-term candidates for the job.

He added: “During the week, there were three or four managers mentioned. Gerard Houllier – there were so many, I lost count. Sven-Goran Eriksson was in there as well.”

And despite early criticism of his appointment, Kinnear – revealed he is revelling in life on Tyneside.

He said: “I love it. It’s the best thing I have ever done, it really is.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to let everybody know I am back in the business.”

Ashley, a retail tycoon, decided to sell after fans turned on him in the wake of Kevin Keegan’s departure, which was triggered by a dispute over transfer policy and the respective roles of the manager and director of football Dennis Wise.

Before joining Newcastle Kinnear had been out of the game for four years, following a spell at Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle are currently second from bottom of the English Premier League with one win, three draws and four defeats from eight games.