- Premier League
Pardew speaks out on Kinnear appointment
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has said he has "an open mind" about Joe Kinnear's position as the club's director of football.
Kinnear, 66 - a former Newcastle manager - was controversially appointed earlier this summer, and added to anger when he hit out at fans and mispronounced the names of key players during a radio interview.
The arrival of the ex-Wimbledon boss sparked speculation about Pardew's future, with the manager having seen his side struggle to avoid relegation last season. Kinnear claimed Pardew was pleased with the decision.
But Pardew told Radio Newcastle: "I'm very open minded to Joe's position. I will take it as I see it. I've had good experiences and bad experiences [of directors of football].
"People who work with me will know that I am my own man. I will manage this football club, and manage this team, to the best of my ability.
"Some of the things Joe said he has apologised for, especially getting the names of our players wrong. That needs to be corrected, because there is a certain respect needed there."
He said that if Kinnear could persuade Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to "invest in the right manner" everyone would benefit, adding: "As well as we've done in the transfer market, there is always room for improvement.
"I have spoken to Joe and had a couple of meetings with him. I have told him what I think the weaknesses in the squad are."
He said it would be down to a combination of himself, Kinnear and chief scout Graham Carr to present a list of targets to Ashley.
"Graham comes up with one or two suggestions, I come up with one or two suggestions and we probably have a list of four that will take the team forward. We present that to Joe, and Joe presents that to the owner," he explained.
"Joe has to dress that up to the owner in terms of finance and how is it going to work. As far as I am concerned, the most important factor for Joe is transfers."