Is the pressure getting to Joe Kinnear?

Following Saturday’s painful 3-0 destruction at the hands of Sam Allardyce led Blackburn, Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear dropped his guard and lashed out at previous administrations:

“Our biggest problem is a lack of strength in depth. Why wasn’t it addressed by the previous two managers? I am carrying the can for it.”

With respects to new additions and the problems he is facing attracting fresh blood to Newcastle he noted:

“I want to be judged on what I bring in. The depth of the first-team squad is not right at the moment.

“We must look to stay up this season and have a big clear-out in the summer and address everything completely differently.”

Of the thought of relegation he added:

“I lie in bed and worry and dread this situation. I’m a proud fella and I don’t want to be relegated.”

Whether is it feeling the heat or just got caught in saying something he would have preferred to keep out of the press is one matter but it does little to blame other administrations. Newcastle is in the fight of its Premier League life to stay above the drop zone and must stay focused on the future. This is highly problematic as it relates to the transfer season as they do not need to be looking at long-term talent but veterans who can assist for a tough stretch drive. Its a difficult road to travel but one that you must do when in a relegation fight. However looming ahead are challenges related to loses during the transfer season. Newcastle is close to being picked clean of ‘keepers Shay Given and Steve Harper, along with Charles N’Zogbia desperately looking to leave and absolutely no interest from other clubs in their older talent. Simply stated, its January and Toon Army, the pressure has just started.