London - Newcastle United named former Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear as their caretaker manager on Friday. The 61-year-old, who also managed Luton Town, will be in charge only until the end of October after what was a shock appointment, coming hot on the heels of Terry Venables' refusal to take the role on a short-term basis.
Kinnear will be reunited with Dennis Wise, the Newcastle executive director and his former Wimbledon midfielder.
He steps into the void created by the resignation of Kevin Keegan, who stood down earlier this month over his lack of control over transfer affairs, which were run by Wise.
"I am very excited by this challenge," Kinnear said, having been out of the game since 2004.
"I am aware that the new owners have Kevin Keegan and possibly Alan Shearer parked around the corner.
"I understand investors are about to buy the club, (current owner) Mike Ashley told me openly. I will be here for six to eight games."
Newcastle lie second from bottom in the English Premier League.
