Newcastle interim manager Joe Kinnear has revealed how morale in the Newcastle United camp has rocketed upwards since his arrival.
Joe Kinnear with respected assistant coach Chris Hughton
The interim Newcastle manager arrived at St James’ Park just over two weeks ago, when confidence was at rock-bottom, and it didn’t improve much after our defeat by Blackburn Rovers, which was our 5th defeat on the trot.
However, a great second half display and an excellent 2-2 draw at Everton, after being 2-0 down, certainly helped to lift the spirits of both Newcastle players and Newcastle fans.
And Kinnear still thinks we could have captured all 3 points from the Everton game with just a little luck.
Joe told the Evening Chronicle today:
“The levels of self-confidence when I arrived were as low as I have seen.” “There were also low concentration levels.”
“We have started to get the belief back in our ability and get more confidence.” “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.”
Kinnear has also pointed to the fact that eight players are away on international duty for their countries and there are others injured or have just missed out on selection.
Kinnear added:
“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.”
Joe as ever seems to be upbeat on his players at the Benton training headquarters, as he continued:
“Overall, everything is on the up.” “We have players enjoying training and people coming back from injury.”
“I didn’t think last Sunday that I would be walking away from Goodison Park disappointed to have drawn the game, but I was.”
“We created chances and that is one of the good habits we need to keep up.” “All I can look at is training the players and make sure everything is bright and brisk. But it has been enjoyable.”
Joe is nothing if not positive and upbeat, and he’s exactly the personality we need managing the club in these difficult times , until it is sold.
Keep it up Joe, you’re doing just fine so far, in a difficult task that few would have taken on.
Comments welcome.
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10 responses so far ↓
1 51times // Oct 13, 2008 at 14:28
Am I the only one who remembers the reports that Beye retired from international football soon after we bought him? Hm…
2 Irish-Toon // Oct 13, 2008 at 14:28
Joe is proving what a top man he is, I like his no nonsense approach, it’s probably just what the players needed in the current situation
3 Tom_Toon // Oct 13, 2008 at 14:29
Beye has retired from int. football.
4 sirjasontooon // Oct 13, 2008 at 14:33
I like Joe..seems a decent bloke…hate that mug
GANIYU..Drives me freekin nuts.
5 51times // Oct 13, 2008 at 14:34
“He retired from international football in an effort to concentrate on his club career following a shambolic African Cup of Nations by Senegal in 2008, [5]though he was then called up to a friendly against Libya on 20 August, 2008, meaning that he had either not retired or chosen to come out of it.”
From wikipedia…yeah, I guess he’s not.
6 Tom_Toon // Oct 13, 2008 at 14:36
It was on the official site after the ACN.
7 Shearerbliss // Oct 13, 2008 at 14:45
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/newcastle/article4927169.ece
8 skin d // Oct 13, 2008 at 14:55
i like joe,but cannot help but think this is all ashley propaganda mouth piece,
ASHLEY OUT!!.
9 Whumpie // Oct 13, 2008 at 15:13
It all means nowt until the Citeh game, when we’ll see what we really have to deal with. It won’t be easy, but with more squad to pick from I’m very hopeful, but let’s not get carried away - we’re getting very excited based on one 45 minute display, albeit a belter.
Most of all, let’s fill SJP and intimidate the living klegnuts out of the opposition…
10 garyfret // Oct 13, 2008 at 18:48
well said whumpie. ive been thinking that myself but its easy to get carried away when we have seen rubbish every week since kk left. i do hope the draw against everton gives us a platform to build on and we climb the league but we cant be over confident after 1 second half performance
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