Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has backed Joe Kinnear's appointment as the club's new director of football. "I am really happy to see Joe back at the club and I think his return can only be positive for everyone connected to the club," Taylor told Sky Sports.

"Joe was great for me when he was manager and I really enjoyed playing for him.

"We were in a great position under Joe in the league until he got ill and it was after that that things went wrong.

"Joe wears his heart on his sleeve and he tells it as it is and I think he is someone that Newcastle exactly need.

"Joe has lots of experience and he is very knowledgeable and I for one am really excited to see him back at Newcastle."