'Joe Kinnear called me a c*** in press conference – no grudge was ever held against him'

The football world has been flooded with tributes to Joe Kinnear after the ex-Premier League manager's death, including one journalist who was called a "c***" by the then-Newcastle boss

10:56, 08 Apr 2024

Luton manager Joe Kinnear celebrates his teams win during the Nationwide League Division Three match between Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle

One journalist never held ill feeling toward the late Joe Kinnear - despite being called a c*** by the former manager(Image: Getty Images Sport)

Tributes to Joe Kinnear have poured in since it was confirmed on Sunday that the ex-Premier League manager had died aged 77 after a battle with dementia.

Some of those anecdotes involving the late tactician are a testament to the man's character. And it wasn't only his peers who were exposed to Kinnear's unique persona, as Mirror journalist Simon Bird recalled he was on the receiving end of some stern words during Kinnear's first press conference as Newcastle boss.

‌

The former Luton and Nottingham Forest manager didn't hold back as he referred to Bird as "a c**t" during that initial unveiling in the St. James' Park hot seat. However, it was what Kinnear did (or perhaps didn't do) after that outburst that left an impression on Bird.

‌

Despite any tensions that may have sprouted at the time, there were no hard feelings on Kinnear's behalf. Bird clarified: "Rant quickly consigned to history, no grudges held, no offence ever taken."

Article continues below

The journalist went on to describe the "c***" criticism as "an amusing episode that illustrates how a game was changing from force-of-personality, dominant dressing room bosses, to something more tactical, scientific and subtle". And it's hard to disagree when looking at the Premier League's class of 2024 compared to past iterations.

What is your favourite Joe Kinnear moment? Let us know in the comments section below.

Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear gives a hand gesture

Kinnear was known for his straight-talking attitude(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)

‌

The gruff elder statesman has taken a backseat in today's upper echelons, with even smaller clubs now willing to take risks with younger, promising managers over experience. That being said, there are plenty of fans left who would still hold a candle for the likes of Kinnear.

Bird noted it's rare a week goes by and he isn't told the late ex-Magpies boss was "right about him." He wrote: "'You’re the one Joe Kinnear called a c***. . .Got you spot on,' someone wrote on Saturday."

Kinnear managed Newcastle, Luton, Nottingham Forest and Wimbledon during his coaching career(Image: PA)

Article continues below

In that sense, Kinnear's words will live on and continue to have an impact long after his death. In that sense, a rant so foul-mouthed has seldom had such sweet significance.