NEWCASTLE UNITED MANAGER Alan Pardew has defended Joe Kinnear after the club’s failure to make a single permanent signing during the recent transfer window left many questioning the role of the north-east side’s director of football.

Loic Remy did arrive at St James’ Park but only on loan from Championship side Queens Park Rangers, with the French striker having turned down a permanent move to the north-east side several months earlier.

Pardew, in a statement issued today, pointed out how Newcastle had signed five players during the January transfer window – before former United boss Kinnear returned to St James’ Park in June.

Kinnear’s second stint with Newcastle was widely seen as putting pressure on Pardew but the current Magpies boss said his predecessor was doing a good job.

“We are delighted to have brought Loic Remy to the club in this window and we believe he will form an exciting and effective partnership with Papiss Cisse,” said Pardew.

“Joe has worked hard on numerous targets, particularly an additional offensive player. However some of the options that were available within our financial means were not as good as the players we already had and there is no point bringing in new players unless they can improve us and take us forward.

“We did the majority of our business in the January window, signing five excellent first team players. With the strong squad we have we should all approach the season in a positive, optimistic frame of mind.”

Newcastle have four points from their first three matches of the new Premier League season after a win, a draw and a defeat.

© AFP, 2013

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