Where will Newcastle United finish in the Premier League this season? Nineteenth place, which is currently where they reside? Perhaps a more respectable 14th position, or maybe even the top half of the table? It naturally all depends on the new owners that come into the club and how much they’re prepared to spend during the January transfer window. They could certainly do with a few quick wins in the meantime, which is where Joe Kinnear comes in.

The former Wimbledon manager has had a hard time since being appointed interim gaffer of Newcastle. After all, he’s not yet taken charge for a match, so it’s quite harsh the way that he’s being judged. If Terry Venables had come in, there would have been less questions asked about the appointment, simply because El Tel has had some high-profile managerial gigs. However, it’s clear that Kinnear has a hell of a job on his hands trying to rally the troops, with him freely admitting that morale is at an all-time low. Sky Sports reports what he has to say.

“I sense the confidence is at the lowest it’s ever been,” said Kinnear, who delivered an expletive-filled press conference on Thursday, in the Daily Express.

“We need a quick change of attitude, that is for sure. You lift confidence by not moping too much about what has happened. Whatever negative stuff that’s coming out in the media you have to get on with it.”

Newcastle only have an average squad in the first place and that, mixed with the fact that there’s barely any confidence, means that they are destined for a struggle until they can magic a win from somewhere. Perhaps they are travelling to Everton at the right time on Sunday, with the Toffees knocked out of the UEFA Cup and in the doldrums themselves. Nevertheless, it would be a brave person who backs the Magpies to win.

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