Kinnear, who will officially take over from caretaker boss Chris Hughton on Monday, was at St James' Park to meet the players.
Joe Kinnear: "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 be just 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.
"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 p****** 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.
"I have been out of the game, but I have travelled the world looking at players and worked for various managers identifying players.
"I spent something like two months in Brazil and a month in Argentina for one of the biggest clubs in England looking for players.
"It's not as if I have been out of the game, although I have been out of the game as a manager.
"I have been a manager now for 30 years and I have got a lot of experience.
"This is a fantastic opportunity. I can't believe the other candidates turned it down.
"It's just a fantastic opportunity and a wonderful stadium. Irrespective of what condition they are in, I'm here to improve them."
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