JOE Kinnear has defended his transfer record as Newcastle United manager, claiming his successes were overlooked "because I'm a cockney".

Kinnear was one of no less than four Magpies managers who presided over the 2008-09 relegation campaign, appointed caretaker in the wake of Kevin Keegan’s shock resignation, then having to stand down through ill health.

The London-raised former Republic of Ireland international presided over just 26 matches (five won, ten lost), but was also in charge for an eventful transfer window which saw Newcastle sign Peter Løvenkrands, Kevin Nolan and Ryan Taylor.

Kinnear takes pride in the fact all are still part of the rejuvenated Magpies, led by captain Nolan. The signings were funded by the sale of Charles N’Zogbia to Steve Bruce’s Wigan Athletic.

“I wanted to sell him (N’Zogbia) because I didn’t get on with him, I didn’t think he was a fighter,” said Kinnear.

“I got £8m for him and it was me who brought in Kevin Nolan for £4m. He was Newcastle’s player of the year last year but do I get any credit for signing him? No, because I’m a cockney.

“The trouble was, I had to generate my own money. When the £8m was offered by Brucey I knew I had to get Nolan, then I got Løvenkrands. He was a free. With his experience I thought he would be great to come off the bench for us.”

Alan Shearer is the only Newcastle manager since Kinnear’s illness not born in London. United’s “cockney mafia” bore the brunt of supporter anger over Keegan’s controversial departure.

Now Sunderland manager, Bruce will almost certainly try to reunite with midfielder N’Zogbia this summer, and the Latics are sure to make a handsome profit if – or rather when – they sell. The versatile

Taylor, who was a makeweight in the N’Zogbia deal, has never carved out a regular starting place, while Løvenkrands’ fortunes at St James’ Park have been mixed.