Kinnear hits out at predecessors

Kinnear took over from Keegan in September last year

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear believes the club's poor form is the fault of the previous managers at St James' Park.

They are only two points off the drop zone after Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Blackburn, whose boss is former Magpies manager Sam Allardyce.

Kinnear feels Allardyce and his successor Kevin Keegan are to blame.

He said: "Our biggest problem is a lack of strength in depth. Why wasn't it addressed by the previous two managers? I am carrying the can for it."

Kinnear, who claimed this week he has been offered a "lucrative" contract to stay at the helm past the end of the season, is optimistic owner Mike Ashley will provide money to strengthen the squad.

606: DEBATE Keegan wasn't given a penny to spend by Mike Ashley and Allardyce's signings were awful, bar King Habib Beye Oba PFG

"I have spelled out the gravity of the situation," he added.

"I say, 'We're not prepared for anything like the disaster we face and you've got to realise the importance of that'.

"I want to be judged on what I bring in. The depth of the first-team squad is not right at the moment.

"We must look to stay up this season and have a big clear-out in the summer and address everything completely differently."

Kinnear admits he fears the Magpies could drop to the Championship next season.

"I lie in bed and worry and dread this situation. I'm a proud fella and I don't want to be relegated," he said.