Joe Kinnear: Newcastle ex-boss confirms director of football role

Former Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear has confirmed that he has been appointed as the Magpies' new director of football.

The 66-year-old, who managed the club during the 2008-2009 season, said he would be taking on the role of recruiting players.

"The deal is absolutely done," Kinnear told Sky Sports News.

"I signed the deal with owner Mike Ashley on Sunday. I intend to meet [manager] Alan Pardew this week."

Newcastle, who finished fifth from bottom last campaign, have yet to announce Kinnear's appointment.

The former Wimbledon manager said he wanted to improve the team, adding he would not interfere with selection or tactics.

"I'm a very good judge of player and a good tactician," he added.

"Anything to do with football, I've been involved in. I intend to make Newcastle far better than they are now.

"I see a good player and know a good player. I have no other agenda. If I see players at the club right now and don't think they are good enough I intend to move them on."

Kinnear insisted "there will be no issues" between him and Pardew.

"I'm not picking the team," he added. "I'm there solely to make sure he gets the best possible team on the pitch."

The ex-Tottenham player's first stint at club lasted just over four months.

Kinnear was named as interim manager in September 2008 following Kevin Keegan's resignation and was expected to be in charge for just one month, before the club decided he would remain at the helm until the end of the season.

But his time in the north east of England was brought to an abrupt halt when he was taken ill with heart problems in February 2009.

Assistants Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood took over, before former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer was placed in charge of the team, who were eventually relegated to the Championship that season.

"We were third from bottom when I took over and we were 12th when I had my heart attack," added Kinnear.

"From there we got relegated. People were trying to implicate me when the club went down. That was a load of rubbish. I've never been a manager of a club that's been relegated [Luton were relegated while he was in charge in 2001]."

Kinnear added that he also planned to meet Newcastle's chief scout Graham Carr regarding playing personnel at the club.