NEWCASTLE UNITED MANAGER Alan Pardew says he was sad to see director of football Joe Kinnear leave the club.
Kinnear left his post at St James’ Park on Monday in a move largely welcomed by supporters, but Pardew insists that the former Wimbledon boss was responsible “a lot of good work” at the club.
The 67-year-old failed to make a single permanent signing during his seven months at Newcastle, with only Loic Remy and Luuk de Jong arriving on loan, while star midfielder Yohan Cabaye left for Paris Saint-Germain.
Pardew, however, expressed regret at Kinnear’s departure.
“I’m just sad to see anybody lose their job, as Joe has. He did a lot of good work here,” the 52-year-old said. “But that decision was the board’s decision and we have to now work towards getting us and our position in the league more secure.
“My job is actually the next game and that’s what I’m focusing on.”
No announcement has been made regarding a replacement for Kinnear, and Pardew is happy not to be involved in any of the decision making.
“That decision is the board’s, but I have no problem with directors of football,” he added. “I’m old enough now to have been in a time when I was involved in the financial part of a transfer. But that part of it has gone from managers, and probably that’s how it should be.”
