Francis offered Magpies position

Newcastle interim manager Joe Kinnear has said he has offered former QPR and Tottenham manager Gerry Francis a coaching role at the club.

Speaking after watching his side battle back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Everton, Kinnear said he needed more help at St James' Park.

"I have known Gerry Francis all my life, he's a great coach," he said.

"I know he is tied up with media work so I put an offer to him to come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

Francis stood down from his manager's position at Bristol Rovers at the end of 2001 and has not had a permanent job in football since.

606: DEBATE
Your thoughts on the situation at Newcastle
He has been coaching at Premier League new-boys Stoke City on a casual basis and recently spoke of his desire to make the role more official.

However, Kinnear appears keen to have the 57-year-old former England captain at Newcastle as he seeks to add some experience to his backroom team.

"There is only me and Chris (Hughton), and we have a lot of lads to work with. We need to work in smaller numbers," he added.

"Gerry can do some solid work and I will pay him accordingly. He has no desire to be a manager or anything full-time. He won't be involved in anything on Saturdays.

"I feel we need someone with that experience. He will not be a number two or anything like that, I will be meeting him for a meal on Monday afternoon to discuss it. There is a good chance something will happen.

"If it is not Gerry I will still be bringing someone else in, to specialise in certain things in small groups - defence, midfield, strikers."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Football on the BBC
Newcastle fans' views on 606
BBC Tyne
Newcastle weather
BBC Sport Premier League
Newcastle United
BBC Radio Newcastle's football podcast
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites