However, after failing to make a permanent signing in two transfer windows, and overseeing the sale of their best player in Yohan Cabaye (or should that be Yohan Kebab?) he left the club recently with his tail between his legs.
Kinnear’s decision to quit, and not wait to be sacked, saved Newcastle having to shell out a pay off – and that bargain business has now been show off with a cheeky projection at St James’ Park.
During the club’s clash with Tottenham yesterday, an image showing Kinnear and the words ‘Kinnear out on a free, who said he couldn’t do good business?’ was beamed onto the side of the stadium.
The cheeky jibe was the work of betting firm Paddy Power, who have angered a number of Premier League clubs with their mischief, including Chelsea after placing an advertising hoarding mocking Fernando Torres outside Stamford Bridge.