Not since Biffa Bacon hit the pages of Viz have so many swear words come out of Newcastle as interim manager Jo Kinnear made an immediate impact in his first week in charge.*
The 61-year-old Kinnear has been out of the game for four years and it was almost as if he had spent the entire time building up to bursting point with his dislike of the Press.
If the transcripts which have appeared on English newspaper websites are accurate, Kinnear used “36 f-words and four c-words” in a news conference rant. Here’s a flavour:
Addressing a journalist who suggested that he should not have given the club’s under-performing players the day off on his first day in charge, Kinnear began thus: “Absolutely ——- out of order… You can —- off and go to another ground . It is none of your ——- business. What the — are you going to do? You ain’t got the balls to be a ——- manager. ——- day off. Do I want your opinion? Do I have to listen to you?
“What are you? My personal secretary? —- off.”
The expletives go on for some time before Newcastle’s press officer makes a desperate attempt to make the whole conversation “off the record”, asking the reporters to erase their recordings.
He then asks everyone to “get on to football” and after a long pause, someone pipes up with, “Any knocks?”
Many a manager reading the interview will sympathise with Kinnear, who was also unhappy with the headline “Morecombe and Wise” in reference to his new partnership with director of football Dennis Wise, and there is support for him here at Blog on the Tyne.
Still, though, for a club in chaos on and off the pitch, it was hardly the ideal way to calm things down.
What did you make of it?
* For those unfamiliar with Viz, click here for an explanation of its unique charms.
PHOTO: Joe Kinnear looks on before Newcastle United’s match against Blackburn at St James’ Park in Newcastle September 27, 2008. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
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7 comments so far
The “Any Knocks?” line really made me laugh, I must say…
- Posted by Kevin FylanAfter that pointless rant, he’ll certainly be out of work for another fours years once the new owners come in. I would have loved to have seen the press officer’s face.
Any knocks! Any knocks!!!!
- Posted by Mark Meadows[...] Go to Source Last 5 posts in Premier LeagueVlog on the Pitch: Cesc Fabregas special - September 26th, 2008Friday afternoon question: Which is the best derby? - September 26th, 2008Newcastle can do better than Venables - September 26th, 2008Retirement beckons for doddery League Cup - September 24th, 2008Mourinho up to his old tricks at Inter Milan - September 22nd, 2008Popularity: 1% [?] Share and Enjoy: [...]
- Posted by Kinnear turns Tyne air blue but was the rant justified? | TotalClubFootballIt must have been odd for him. He waits four years for a manager’s job then has to watch from the stands because of a ban from when he was at Forest. He then gives the players the day off on his first day in the job, says he’s got a different contract than the one claimed by the owners, and got annoyed that the papers called the place a “circus”.
- Posted by MRrightJust another normal day at Newcastle then.
I think this is the best thing to happen this season. A conference where something was actually said! Honesty is not something we often see in the game and whilst Kinnear’s rant is somewhat out of the blue it is hugely refreshing… and entertaining!
- Posted by NeilMr Kinear’s comments were a little over the top , but at the end of the day football reporter’s are only looking to bring someone down. That seems to be their job. they never seem to encourage any football manager whoever he is, national or team manager. Many times I watch a match and then read a report next morning and wonder if we were at the same match, they seem to live in a world of their own, and I must admit I agree with Joe, they are plonker’s, they would have no idea if they were in charge. Why don’t you reporter’s encourage our football teams? Give some fair and uplifting critism. Not the vitriolic rubbish your editors seem to encourage. They like you don’t seem to have any idea either.
- Posted by peter smith[...] to Source Share and [...]
- Posted by Kinnear turns Tyne air blue but was the rant justified? : Soccer News