Kinnear: I’ll keep fighting for team

Oct 4 2008 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

DEFIANT Joe Kinnear insists he has no regrets over his attack on his media critics as he pledged to continue to fight his corner while at Newcastle.

Kinnear found himself at the centre of the biggest football story of the day after a full transcript of the United manager’s combative performance in his first Press conference was reproduced in Friday morning’s newspapers.

But United’s interim boss remains distinctly unruffled by the extra attention that the exchanges have attracted, and insists he is much more concerned about losing the services of Habib Beye for the trip to Everton tomorrow.

Kinnear was tempted to play the Senegal right-back but he has not recovered sufficiently from an Achilles injury in time to travel with the rest of the squad to Goodison Park.

Kinnear’s determination to forcefully address what he perceives as negative reporting of his appointment appears to have drawn support among United’s fans, and he is adamant that it will remain his philosophy during his tenure as manager.

“I’m going to keep standing my corner. I’ve always had a competitive spirit and nothing ever gets me down but I’m not going to accept more of that rubbish bring written about me,” he said. “I’m as strong as an ox and as I’ve said before I’m going to keep fighting. It is not the first time I’ve faced adversity. Whatever was said or written, it was just more of the usual as far as I’m concerned. Surely it is in everyone’s interests for us to win a few games before I hand it over to the next manager?

“The Everton game is much more important to me. I’m not one to make promises and they have a strong squad but if we approach the game with the right mentality then there is always a chance.”

With Beye unavailable Kinnear will be forced into a defensive reshuffle, although he has no specialist right-backs to choose from.

He could hand the role to Sebastien Bassong or Cláudio Caçapa – or even shift Steven Taylor to full-back to compensate for the loss of Beye.

Having targeted an improved defensive display, losing the former Marseille

defender is clearly a major loss. But Kinnear feels there is ‘no point’ in risking a long-term injury just for the sake of one game.

“It’s obviously a big disappointment for us. He had one day’s training and I put the question to him but he said that it was far too early,” Kinnear said.

“We will get him in shape for the Manchester City game instead but obviously we’re all disappointed because he’s such an important player for us.

“I’ve heard so much about him and every time I have seen him play he looks like a class act. But there is no reason to rush him back for one game and risk him breaking down.”

Kinnear will address the players again this afternoon in an attempt to instill some belief in a team that has lost its last five Premier League games.

And, while it promises to be a stiff early test for United’s interim boss, he thinks there is enough quality in the squad to earn points in the North West.

“What I’m looking for is a change of attitude from the players and some real belief in themselves,” Kinnear said.

“We have got match winners, we have got people like Michael Owen who have made a habit of scoring important goals in big games and we’ve got people like Nicky Butt who are big players who’ve played in big games.

“It’s a big test for us. They might have been beaten in the Uefa Cup but Everton are a good team and they have got a lot of top-class players.”

GIANFRANCO Zola believes the character of fiery former Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy will be key to West Ham’s progress this season.

Bellamy is pushing hard for his first start of the season against Bolton on Sunday after recovering from groin surgery.

The jet-heeled forward has a reputation for being a troublemaker but new Hammers boss Zola has been impressed with his attitude.

“Craig’s character is not a problem. I know he has his own character, a strong one, but I’m not asking him to change,” the Italian said.

“I just want him to play well on the pitch and get along with the others.

“I’m sure he understands that. He’s doing that at the moment and is doing very well.

“If you want a winning team you need players with strong character.

“As long as they are positive characters, I don’t mind them at all.”

Zola has given his blessing to Bellamy’s inclusion in Wales’ squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Germany.

“I’m very pleased he has been selected for the national team. I know how important it is for a player to play for his country,” he said.

“I’m hoping he can play well for us and go and do the same job for the Welsh.

“This week he has worked very hard and very well. I’m very impressed with him. He is fit.”