Kinnear itching for management return

Joe Kinnear insists he is ready to risk a third heart attack to secure an improbable return to management.

The 65-year-old former Republic of Ireland international has been out of the game since being forced to leave his post at Newcastle in 2009 after triple bypass surgery.

However, the outspoken Dubliner — famed for his 52-expletive-laden press conference outburst during a turbulent five months in charge at St James’ Park — is itching to return to the pressures of the dugout, even if it puts his health on the line again.

Kinnear, who played 26 times for his country between 1967 and 1975, has a long history of heart trouble, suffering his first attack while in charge of Wimbledon 13 years ago. He is prepared to go against direct medical advice in a bid to make his latest comeback, and he said: “I’ve been in football since I was 15, and I want to get back into it, even at the risk of having a third heart attack. It won’t put me off.

“Since I’ve had the triple bypass, I haven’t been that well. I’ve just got the all-clear but doctor after doctor has advised me to stay away from the game. I’m bored. Every week I get more agitated. It’s a nightmare sitting in the stand watching teams when you’re not involved. I’m going to try my hardest to get back this year.”