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United promise not to bypass Hughton
Newcastle United, 16:40, February 24, 2009 ,
Newcastle will not bring in a new manager while Joe Kinnear recovers from a triple heart bypass operation, says Derek Llambias.
Managing director Llambias has confidence in coaches Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood, who were watching future opponents Hull City against Tottenham at the KC Stadium last night, and says the board are happy that the current set-up can achieve Premier League survival.
"Chris has done a good job," Llambias said. "He is full of confidence. Colin is in there helping us and Joe is still in the background. We are happy with that situation, and that will take us through until the end of the season."
Kinnear was discharged from hospital on Saturday following his operation and has been told not to consider returning to work for at least two months, although he maintains regular phone contact with his former assistant Hughton.
"Unless they cut the phone lines around his house, there's no way he won't communicate," Llambias said. "I have had to tell him he is meant to be resting. It's the way Joe is."