Magpies deny Joe has had a setback

Mar 16 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United have angrily denied reports that manager Joe Kinnear has had a setback in his recovery from major heart surgery following the 1-1 draw with Hull City.

A story in a Sunday newspaper claimed Kinnear was unlikely to return to work this season because of the setback, even though managing director Derek Llambias had said last week that he would be back at the training ground in the build-up to the Stoke City game on April 11.

It went on to suggest the Magpies were looking to appoint former England manager Terry Venables until the end of the season as doctors are concerned about Kinnear’s long term health.

That drew an indignant response last night from Llambias, who insists Kinnear’s recovery is on schedule following a conversation with the United boss over the weekend. He said: “This report over the weekend is absolute rubbish, we are very angry about it and we will be taking issue with the newspaper concerned.” The Journal understands that Kinnear did have a chest infection last week, but that this was not a serious matter and will not affect the timescale of his recovery.

Although Kinnear will not be allowed to take charge of the side at Stoke City, he is expected to visit the training ground in the build-up to the trip to the Britannia Stadium and will watch the game from the stands.

The Journal can also reveal that, even if Kinnear was told by doctors to delay his comeback, Newcastle would not look to appoint Venables.

Although owner Mike Ashley did approach the experienced former Barcelona and Tottenham manager shortly after Kevin Keegan’s exit back in September the United hierarchy were unimpressed by Venables’ attitude at the time.

Ashley was also angered by his decision to discuss the approach in a national newspaper just days later and the relationship between the two has soured as a result.