ABOVE: Joe Kinnear's appointment has shocked almost everyone as he returns to the club he left in 2009
It’s an interesting role for myself and I don’t think I could be at a better club to do it.
Joe Kinnear
JOE KINNEAR has completed a shock return to Newcastle as the club’s director of football.
The former Toon boss, 66, has signed a three-year deal and will work above manager Alan Pardew.
Kinnear concluded talks with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley over the week weekend and has now been tasked with strengthening the St James’ Park squad.
Kinnear said: “It’s an interesting role for myself and I don’t think I could be at a better club to do it.
“I signed the contract with Mike today (Sunday) and that’s taken care of.
“Alan Pardew’s aware of the situation. I intend meet him either tomorrow or within the coming week to discuss the future and go through the team itself.
“We will discuss where it’s glaringly clear we need to improve and that will be my job, to go and find those players.
“I’m not picking the team, that’s what the manager gets paid for. I’m there solely to see he gets the best possible team on the pitch.”
Kinnear was Newcastle chief for four months after taking over from Kevin Keegan in September 2008.
He endured a stormy relationship with Toon players, the fans and the media until suffering a heart attack in February 2009 and stepping down as boss.
Kinnear also had a heart attack in 1999, when he was in charge at Wimbledon, but insists there are no concerns about his health.
“I’m as fit as a fiddle now,” he said.
“I’ve been working out in the gym, I go for long walks, I’ve lost a lot of weight – I’m in the best physical shape I’ve ever been.
“I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to come back.
“I have turned down managerial jobs in the lower leagues because I felt I’d gone past that.
“I’ve been very fortunate in my life as a manager.
"I’ve been manager of the year three times and I’ve had a great football career, so I think I’m ideal for this situation.”
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