Megson defends Kinnear blast

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Kinnear, 61, caused a storm at Newcastle's training ground as he singled out newspaper reporters over their coverage of his appointment at the crisis-torn club. The former Wimbledon boss has been left bitterly upset by how his decision to allow Newcastle's players to have a day off on Monday has been reported.

Megson said: "Joe Kinnear has been out of the game for a while now and he has got to be given a chance. To start jumping on somebody's back, in their first day in the job, is a little bit unfair."

Kinnear claimed he had been "ridiculed for no reason" and hinted at taking legal action against his detractors in the media.

Megson has been there himself after his appointment at Bolton 12 months ago attracted fierce opposition from pundits and supporters.

Yet he answered his army of critics by keeping the club in the Barclays Premier League and delivering an impressive UEFA Cup run.

"Joe has got the hump and the guy in the media seemed to be suggesting that Newcastle's players shouldn't have had Monday off," added Megson.

"But I can't see what is wrong with that because Newcastle are playing on Sunday and therefore have an extra day to prepare.

"It's a huge football club and Joe needs to meet all the staff and let everyone know how he wants to do things. You can't do everything in 24 hours, but from a football point of view I don't think it was an issue.

"I've read the interview and Joe was apparently happy for it to go out, but the only thing that helps in any respect in football is by winning matches."