Former Wimbledon star Robbie Earle is backing his former boss Joe Kinnear to win over the doubters at Newcastle United.

High-profile media pundit Earl said: "He was a good manager to play for in respect that he gave you responsibility and put store in the fact you wouldn't let him down.

"His swearing is a 'good morning' to you in Joe's world. But he is passionate about football, loves the game and he wants to be part of it.

"It seems to me he is trying to do that at Newcastle. Anyone who knows Joe will know that he does understand football and there is more to him than the swearing and the brash way he sometimes behaves.

"It might just be the foil to keep the pressure off the players and put the attention on to him.

"He will have had a couple of weeks to work on the training ground now and address one or two issues. He will do okay. It is a shop window for him and he is going to make the most of it.

"The players will know pretty quickly if he is happy or upset just from the body language. There is a lot going for Joe and I just hope he is given a fair opportunity to succeed or fail."