Posts Tagged ‘Joe Kinnear’

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Spurs sign Cudicini on free transfer

January 26th, 2009

Tottenham Hotspur completed the signing of Carlo Cudicini, veteran goalkeeper from Chelsea, on free transfer.

Harry Redknapp, Spurs Manager, signed the 35-year-old keeper for competing with Heurelho Gomes, who is currently the first choice goalkeeper of the club. Gomes has been under serious criticism for his performance this season and may play second fiddle to Cudicini.

Italian International was a part of the Blues since 1999. He was the first choice for the club, till Petr Cech arrived in 2004.

Cudicini signed Chelsea on one-year loan deal from Castel di Sangro in 1999. However, he was permanently moved to the club in the next season following a summer transfer worth £160,000.

2002’s Blues’ player of the year, Cudicini, helped Chelsea in winning 2 league Cups, 2 FA Cups and 2 Premier League crowns.

Redknapp is hoping that inclusion of Cudicini may improve Spurs defensive record, which has been poor. Their defense has been one of the reasons why Spurs are currently plummeting 16th on the league table.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United is also looking forward to get some new faces in their squad for changing their fortune.

With speculations on future of Shay Given, Joey Barton and Charles N’Zogbia, Joe Kinnear is working hard to close in on at least one of his targets.

Kinnear already has Peter Lovenkrands, Denmark International, in his ranks and looking to add Toulouse’s Albin Ebondo and Rennes’ Stephane Mbia.

If Magpies need to make a comeback in the League, they will have to fill the areas, which currently have little or no cover.

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Posted in Football Transfer Market, Tottenham

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Owen mulling over Newcastle offer

December 16th, 2008

England International, Michael Owen, is right now considering the new offer made by Newcastle United, after his club finally made a move.

It’s understood that Magpies are continuously being in touch with Owen’s representatives. They are looking forward to discuss the details with the representative in regards to their latest contract, as his current 4-year deal has entered the last phase.

Newcastle Boss, Joe Kinnear, is hoping for sitting down with his 29-year old Captain on Tuesday for persuading him to stay at St James Park.

According to reports, Kinnear has confirmed that England international won’t be on sale in the coming transfer period.

He feels that goals from Owen are more imperative than the fees that could be collected for the player, who might leave for a Bosman free transfer after the current season finishes.

However, similar to former manager, Kevin Keegan, Kinnear is desperate to make Owen commit himself for an extended stay at the club.

On Friday, the 61-year old admitted that he wasn’t confident of retaining services from his striker, whose 9th goal in 15 appearances set his club to a needed 3-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park. The goal took his tally to 29 from 62 games for Newcastle United over a period of an injury-hit four seasons.

Owen gave very little indication to where he was supposed to go following the victory over Portsmouth. Instead, he was concentrating more on their fight to survive in the league.

Speaking in press conference, Owen said, ‘We’re looking up and moving up in the table.’

‘Like other teams, we’ve also got some games during Christmas. This is where we can gain confidence. If we’ll keep the run going, we not only can clear relegation zone, but might end up with a commendable position.’

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Posted in Newcastle United, Premier League

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Portsmouth Vs Newcastle United: Owen gets Newcastle out of relegation zone

December 15th, 2008

Newcastle United’s Captain, Michael Owen, celebrated his 29th birthday in style with a goal.

The goal was his ninth of the season and proved to be imperative in his club’s 3-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park. This elusive away win got them past the relegation zone.

English Forward scored in the 52nd minute and created the ground for his teammates to latch upon. They completely rubbished the unpredictable Pompey’s defense.

Obafemi Martins and Danny Gutherie scored the other two goals for Magpies. They helped Kinnear win his first game away from St. James Park and end a horrendous run of his side at Fratton Park.

Another hero of the game was Shay Given. He kept his clean sheet alive and made some stupendous saves in the end to help Newcastle United keep their recent run in the league alive.

Meanwhile, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Chelsea failed to capitalize on the opportunity given to them by the draws involving Manchester United and Liverpool during the weekend.

The Blues drew 1-1 against West Ham United and continued their inconsistent run at Stamford Bridge.

Craig Bellamy stunned the home fans with the opening goal, as Hammers took the lead in the 33rd minute.

Tension was clearly visible on the faces of Chelsea players, as Michael Ballack, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole received a yellow card in the first half.

However, the shot from Nicolas Anelka, top scorer for the Blues this season with 16 goals, helped his side to save their face in the end with a 1-1 draw.

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Posted in Newcastle United, Portsmouth

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Kinnear: Owen didn’t got enough goal scoring opportunities

December 4th, 2008

Newcastle Boss, Joe Kinnear, came out strongly and backed his skipper, Michael Owen, in spite of the latter having a poor showing in the weekend game at the Riverside Stadium.

The 28-year old was at the end of major criticism during this weekend, as he failed to come up with a single shot on the goal against Middlesbrough in Saturday’s 0-0 derby draw.

Kinnear has reportedly supported Owen and strongly feels that his striker will be hitting the goals once again, as his talent is remarkable.

In an interview, the manager said, ‘Yes, Owen did have a quiet game, if you go by his general high standards.’

‘Still, his effort during the game was clearly visible to the coaching staff on the bench. All of us felt that he was doing the hard work and running unselfishly for the club.’

‘This was backed up when we went through the video of the Saturday game. We studied performance of each individual and saw how Owen went about his job.’

‘The only regret with the Middlesbrough game was that the chances, which were created, never reached Michael’s path, so that he could convert them. However, this wasn’t necessary his fault.’

‘He was always running to get himself in a goal scoring position. However, he was just never able to get the ball in the right place. This is something that we’ll have to work on, if we are looking to end any game on a high.’


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Posted in Newcastle United

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Kinnear: Owen all ready to start against Chelsea

November 20th, 2008

According to Joe Kinnear, England International Michael Owen is fit and all set to get a berth in the starting lineup of Newcastle United.

Newcastle will be taking on current leaders in the Premier League table, Chelsea, on Saturday. Kinnear feels that it will not be just a case of a ‘damage limitation’ while playing against the Blues.

Magpies Boss Kinnear believes that Owen, who scored his season’s 6th goal against Wigan after coming off the bench during a 2-2 draw at St James’s Park, is all ready to make his first start since the early part of October. Since October, he has been out with a groin niggle.

28-year-old’s wait for a start will finally come at a stadium where his club has failed to win for 22 years.

Kinnear said, ‘I’ll say he’s getting close to being 100% fit.’

‘Michael has been frustrated recently, as he was getting close to perfect fitness level. But, now he’s better and sharper.’

‘He has got his own private coach with whom he’s been doing special work prior to the start of the training. This shows his professionalism and love of the game.’

Sunderland, Newcastle’s derby rivals, has already been thrashed 5-0 by Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the season. However, Kinnear is not seeing the game as forgone conclusion.

‘What Chelsea did to Sunderland was frightening. But, I’ve never backed away from any challenge, and I won’t go into this match with damage limitation in my mind.’

‘I’ll be going there for getting decent results. Newcastle has never won in 22 years at Stamford Bridge. But, records are meant to be broken.’

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Newcastle United

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Redknapp: Bruce might have saved the day for Ferguson

November 14th, 2008

Harry Redknapp, Spurs Boss, believes that former Manchester United player, Steve Bruce, might have been responsible for saving Sir Alex Ferguson from an early exit in 1989.

Former Portsmouth manager was in-charge at Bournemouth, who almost defeated Manchester United in a close encounter at Dean Court.

According to him, if Bruce wouldn’t have intervened, 19 years (of half century in football) for Ferguson at Old Trafford might have been a different story altogether.

Redknapp said, ‘After moving to Manchester United for his first stint as a manager, he came perilously close of leaving the job. Red Devils were having a torrid spell in those days.’

‘I still remember Bournemouth playing against his side in an FA Cup encounter at Dean Court, which ended in a 1-1 draw.’

‘In the final minutes of the game, Luther Blissett found an empty net to put a cross into. However, defender Steve Bruce came from nowhere and jumped on Luther’s ankles, which led to a penalty but stopped him from scoring.’

‘While taking the penalty, Luther failed to score and scooped it wide. If Luther would have converted it and won the game for us, who knows what could have followed.’

‘However, we didn’t and Devils won the replay contest at Old Trafford. Today, that draw, for me, has started the script of one of the finest ever in the English League. With his incredible record, I currently rate him with the likes of Bill Nicholson & Bill Shankly.’

Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s manager, Joe Kinnear, warned Redknapp to not use foul tactics for getting keeper Shay Given in Spurs ranks.

Kinnear said, ‘Shay Given is an important member of the team and we are not looking forward to part with him. Redknapp can save his time and money, as Given is not leaving his club.’

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Posted in Man U, Tottenham

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Newcastle United Vs Aston Villa: First back-to-back win for Magpies in six months

November 4th, 2008

Newcastle United’s Obafemi Martins played wonderfully, as he blasted his side out of the relegation zone of Barclays Premier League.

Battlers of Joe Kinnear claimed their second successive victory by defeating Aston Villa 2-0 at St. James Park.

It was the second time in 6 days that Obafemi, Nigerian International, scored for the Magpies. His 2 goals in the 2-0 win allowed Newcastle to lift to the 14th place ahead of arch-rival Sunderland (goal difference).

This was the first time that Newcastle recorded back-to-back league victories since April.

These six points, which they got of visits from West Brom & Villa (midlands duo) within a span of one week, represented a major boost in the side. Again, it was the first clean sheet for the Magpies since August 23.

In the game, Kinnear’s side survived the stern test of their own resolve against an emerging side of the Premier League.

Magpies were able to fend of the challenges thrown at them by Villa persistently in the first half.

In the second half, the home side came up with a renewed spirit, which has been common feature to them after the arrival of Kinnear and through Martins’ 2 goals sealed the game.

What would have impressed Newcastle’s interim manager even more was that his side won the game in absence of star striker Michael Owen, who came on the pitch during the final stages of the game.

Now, he would be hoping that this rejuvenated showing keeps on improving and they retain the position in the league, which they are accustomed to.

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Posted in Aston Villa, Newcastle United

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Newcastle United Vs West Brom: Barton architects Newcastle’s second win

October 29th, 2008

Bad Boy of Newcastle United, Joey Barton, commenced the process of repaying his club for the faith, which they had shown in him, by scoring a goal at St. James Park.

Barton helped Magpies to score their first victory in Barclays Premier League after eight games, as they defeated West Brom 2-1.

26-year-old midfielder, who made his first start for Newcastle after getting released from jail, was able to convert a 9th minute penalty for setting Magpies up for only their 2nd win of the season in the league and the first for manager Joe Kinnear.

Barton, who got pelted with bottles and coins when he was warming up for the Saturday derby against Sunderland, was the one starting the healing process for the home side.

However, ultimately it was header from Obafemi Martins in the 42nd minute, which won the game and allowed his side to come out of relegation zone.

A crowd of 45,801 gathered at St. James Park endured an anxious finish, after Magpies failed to make most of the 2nd half chances that came along the way. Things got even tougher when Baggies substitute, Ishmael Miller, pulled one back for the visitors with 25 minutes still to go.

Newcastle might not have got the full points, if it wasn’t for keeper Shay Given. Given kept out a shot from James Morrison before half time. Again, a vital block from defender Miller saved the home side from losing an important point.

Now, Kinnear will be hoping that his side continues to play the way they did today and get them as close to the top Premier League positions as possible.

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Posted in Newcastle United, Premier League

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Newcastle United Vs Manchester City: Ireland saves City from a humiliating loss

October 21st, 2008

A late goal from Stephen Ireland denied Newcastle United to score an elusive victory in the Barclays Premier League at St. James Park.

Magpies were reduced to 10 men as early as the 12th minute, when Habib Beye got sent off for recklessly challenging Robinho.

Although game looked in the hands of the Eastlands club, Joe Kinnear’s men showed great character, which was also visible in the game against Everton.

Even with 10 men, Newcastle remarkably made a comeback and could have won the game too, if Ireland wouldn’t have scored four minutes from time.

Brazilian International Robinho scored the opener in the 13th minute for City when referee Rob Styles gave a penalty and at the same time, sent off Beye for an irresponsible challenge in the box.

Shola Amoebi, who didn’t score for Newcastle since October 15, 2006, became the hero for the home side, as he came up with a much needed equalizer in the 43rd minute.

Newcastle was in the driver’s seat, once Manchester City Captain Richard Dunne sent a ball in his own net in the 63rd minute making it 2-1 much to the delight of the home fans.

However, Ireland’s goal in the end became a decisive factor in the end and saved Mark Hughes’ side from an embarrassing loss.

With this 2-2 draw, Joe Kinnear will be hoping that his side continues to perform well and get that elusive win, which has evaded them for a long time now.

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Posted in Manchester City, Newcastle United

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Jones: Kinnear is going to be the best thing to happen for Newcastle

October 7th, 2008

Former players, who played under Joe Kinnear, have backed Newcastle United’s interim manager. He has been under a lot of pressure since taking over the job vacated by Kevin Keegan.

Mike Ashley, Newcastle’s owner, surprised everyone by handing the job to Kinnear, who is yet to be involved in managing a side since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2004. Ashley has given the job on a short term basis, as he has begun the process of selling Magpies.

The brief tenure of Kinnear has already been quite eventful after press conference at St James Park where he used over 50 expletives to criticize journalists.

His appointment has met criticism from a large section of the club’s supporters and press. However, members of his Wimbledon’s ‘Crazy Gang’ spoke in support for him.

Former Dons Captain, Vinnie Jones, who played under Kinnear, urged the Toon Army for giving him a chance.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jones said ‘It’s tough for me to understand why people are slaughtering him. They should look at his overall record.’

‘When I moved back to Wimbledon, we finished in Premier League’s top half each season under him. We even reached semifinals of League Cup and FA Cup in 1997.’

‘The thing I found commendable about the man was that he did it all without a ground available to him. We used Crystal Palace’s ground during his reign at the club.’

Adding to his comments, Jones said ‘I am sure that adding Kinnear to the crew is the best thing that Ashley could have done for the Newcastle. Although they might not finish as the Champions of the League, still there is every possibility of ending up at a commendable position.’

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Posted in Newcastle United, Premier League

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