Newcastle United confirm Joe Kinnear appointment

Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Joe Kinnear as director of football.

The 66-year-old claimed on Sunday that he had accepted the role at St James' Park after leaving the club as manager in 2009.

Kinnear has signed a three-year deal with the Magpies.

"Joe will report directly to the club's board as the senior executive in charge of all football-related matters," read a statement on the club's official website. "Chief scout Graham Carr and manager Alan Pardew will report into Joe."

Kinnear was named Newcastle manager in 2008 but was forced to leave the job one year later due to health problems.