Joe Kinnear wants to make friends with the Newcastle fans

Joe Kinnear has attempted to build bridges with the Newcastle fans he last week claimed he was more intelligent than.

The 66-year-old has embarked upon a charm offensive of sorts after a difficult first few days in his role as the club's new director of football.

Despite rounding on the Magpies' record goalscorer Alan Shearer over the weekend, he has attempted to establish a relationship with supporters angered by his appointment.

He told the Chronicle:

Indeed, Kinnear insisted he still retains a huge affection for the club's fans from his brief spell as manager at St James' Park during the 2008-09 season, and reiterated his belief that he was doing a good job until health problems struck.

However, he once again hit out at the north-east media, who he famously blasted in a foul-mouthed tirade.

Kinnear said:

Newcastle won five of the 26 games they played under Kinnear's charge, and Shearer was unable to prevent them from slipping out of the Barclays Premier League after being drafted in for the final eight games of the campaign.