Newcastle United chief Joe Kinnear has declared himself the best director of football in the Premier League.

The 66-year-old's appointment was greeted by a less than favourable response on Tyneside, but having started work in earnest at St James' Park, he believes he is more than qualified for the job.

He told the Shields Gazette: "Every top club in the land has got one [a director of football]. We haven't - that's the difference.

"The manager can't do everything. I'm probably the only football manager to be a director of football. I don't know any other ex-managers who have.

"I've been a manager for 35 years. I've been Manager of the Year. I've won every award there is in football as a player.

"I think all those qualities put me head and shoulders above every other director of football."