Joe Kinnear has been confirmed as the interim manager of Newcastle United.

Former Wimbledon, Luton Town and Nottingham Forest manager Joe Kinnear has accepted the role of temporary manager of Newcastle United. His short term contract will run until the end of October.

Joe Kinnear: 

  I am very excited about the challenge. Results have not been great of late, but there is a lot of quality in the squad and I am very confident the players are capable of climbing the table.

Newcastle United is a great club. When I was in charge of Wimbledon, I always remember the passion of the fans up there and how great a stadium St James’ Park is.

I believe the club will be sold soon and at the moment Chris Hughton needs all the help he can get. I hope now that I can help to get a few results together.

It is a big challenge, but one I am really looking forward to.

Terry Venables rejected Newcastle’s offer due to the offer being too short to turn around the club, David O’Leary and Geln Hoddle were also thought to be in the frame, but Mike Ashley surprised everyone with the Kinnear anouncement.

Kinnear had been out of work since December 2004 when he resigned as manager of Nottingham Forest.