Kinnear sees confidence growing

Newcastle United interim manager Joe Kinnear has experienced a huge lift in morale since he has arrived.

 

The 61-year-old former Wimbledon manager was brought to St James' Park last month, succeeding Kevin Keegan.

The 2-2 draw at Everton in his first match in charge ended a run of five consecutive defeats, and he is already feeling the positive repercussions of that, saying: "We have started to get the belief back in our ability and get more confidence."

He added: "Above all, we have had a quick change of attitude at the club amongst the players.

"Everybody has been working hard, and to see the reaction has been great."

amazing strength

Kinnear's efforts to steady the ship, and those of caretaker Chris Hughton before him, have been hampered by an extensive injury list as well as suspensions for Danny Guthrie and Joey Barton.

Guthrie was back at Goodison Park and Barton will be available for the derby trip to Sunderland on 25th October.

With Habib Beye, Jonas Gutierrez, Ignacio Gonzalez and Andy Carroll all on the comeback trail, things are starting to look a little brighter despite less promising prognoses for Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Alan Smith.

He said: "I think that this international break has also highlighted what amazing strength this squad has.

"There have been eight players away on international duty - and it could have been more if the likes of Jonas Gutierrez and Habib Beye weren't injured."