Kinnear makes shock return to Magpies

Joe Kinnear has confirmed his return to Newcastle as director of football.

The former Magpies manager, 66, left the club in 2009 after suffering a heart attack but has now returned to work alongside manager Alan Pardew.

Kinnear told Sky Sports News: “It’s an interesting role for myself and I don’t think I could be at a better club to do it.”

Kinnear confirmed that he met with club owner Mike Ashley earlier today to sign a contract with the St James' Park outfit, with the agreement reportedly lasting three years.

“It’s absolutely done,” he said. “I signed it with Mike today and that’s taken care of.

“I intend to meet Alan either tomorrow or within the coming week to discuss the future and go through the team itself.

“We will discuss where it’s glaringly clear we need to improve and that will be my job, to go and find those players.”