Newcastle trouble-shooter Joe Kinnear arrived on Tyneside today insisting he is "not part of the Cockney mafia". The Magpies shocked English football yesterday when they appointed the 61-year-old as interim manager after failing in a bid to persuade Terry Venables to take over on a temporary basis.

Kinnear, who will officially take over from caretaker boss Chris Hughton on Monday, was at St James' Park this afternoon to meet the players ahead of their Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn, and was in defiant mood.

He said: "I am being linked with the 'Cockney mafia' - they forget I was born in Ireland and played for Ireland all my life.

"So be it. I have come here to do the best I possibly can because I know it's a short contract, I know what is stored around the corner for me, if you like.

"But sod it, so what? If I can come and do a really good job here, who knows where it is going to lead for me?

"It might just be good for both of us. From what I am led to believe what is happening around the corner, so be it.

"I am not going to let that worry me or take my focus off the job."

Kinnear has not managed a club since resigning as Nottingham Forest boss in December 2004.

He made his name at Wimbledon until he was forced to take two years out of the game after suffering a heart attack in 1999.

However, he insists there is nothing wrong with his health and is hoping his brief spell at Newcastle could prove a way back into the game.

He said: "Absolutely. This is a great opportunity to prove that I am capable of doing just that.

"I have had numerous interviews at various football clubs, and most of the issues have been talks for hours, which has pisses me off totally, about my health.

"I really do feel great. I am in good shape, there is nothing wrong with my mind, my tactical ability, my assessments, so I am fine.

"It is just getting the opportunity to prove it — and I have got a lot to prove."

However, it is not just the fans that Kinnear has to convince. His compatriot and Newcastle goalkeeper has expressed his dismay at the appointment.

Asked whether he was happy with the announcements, Given said: "Am I pleased? No. The club is still up for sale and we haven't got a permanent manager so I wouldn't say pleased.

"It's going somewhere I suppose but I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

"I don't know the man. I've met him and said hello but that's about it.

"Joe Kinnear's just to oversee things until we get one. It is not an ideal situation.

"No senior players were asked about this as far as I know. I'd class myself as a senior player and no one has told me anything."