Bolton boss Gary Megson sympathises with Newcastle counterpart Joe Kinnear following his astonishing foul-mouthed rant against the written press. Megson has experienced the media backlash himself after his appointment at Bolton 12 months ago attracted fierce opposition from pundits and supporters.

"Joe has got the hump and the guy in the media seemed to be suggesting that Newcastle's players shouldn't have had Monday off," said Megson.

"But I can't see what is wrong with that because Newcastle are playing on Sunday and therefore have an extra day to prepare.

"It's a huge football club and Joe needs to meet all the staff and let everyone know how he wants to do things.

"You can't do everything in 24 hours, but from a football point of view I don't think it was an issue.

"I've read the interview and Joe was apparently happy for it to go out, but the only thing that helps in any respect in football is by winning matches.

"Joe Kinnear has been out of the game for a while now and he has got to be given a chance.

"To start jumping on somebody's back, in their first day in the job, is a little bit unfair."