Read more about Newcastle United.
Kinnear gets nod for spending spree
Newcastle United, 10:43, December 18, 2008 ,
Joe Kinnear has been told by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley that he will be given funds to bolster the squad with players of his choice.
The Magpies boss, who was handed the job until next summer after initially taking over from Kevin Keegan on a temporary basis in late September, had hoped to be given some cash to spend in the January transfer window. And Ashley has now confirmed that Kinnear will have the opportunity to target and bid for players who he feels will do a job for the club.
"It is up to Joe, we have signed him, it's up to him," Ashley told The Sun.
"I've definitely got some money, although whether I will give it to him or not is another question.
"Joe realises that Newcastle don't have a bottomless pit of money so he will be very careful with what he does.
"If it's a player that costs £30m then I can absolutely say. 'I don't think so'.
"But will he able to get the players he wants to tinker with the team and change the balance? The answer is 'yes'."
The news will be a big boost to Kinnear, given that Keegan cited alleged meddling in his attempts to recruit new players as the main reason why he left St James' Park.