Kinnear Sets Wombles As Toon Blueprint!

Last updated : 07 October 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Kinnear has already said he wants a "Crazy Gang" feeling in the dressing room, and Michael Owen should learn from Vinnie Jones' time as Wombles skipper.

Joe Kinnear: "I know I will be caned for even suggesting this, but I see a lot of Fashanu in Ameobi.

"During these next couple of weeks I intend to work one-on-one with him in the afternoons to try to bring the best out of him and maybe show him how Fash used to play.

"I am going to start afternoon training with several of the younger lads. Ameobi has a lot to offer, he is not the finished article, but he is willing to work.

"I am going to work to get the best out of him. He could be a John Fashanu, and I am prepared for what people will be saying about that suggestion!

"We have got a two-week break now, and we may get a few of the injured players back for the Manchester City game next, there's three or four that we will have next time around.

"We could become a force once we get organised and get their heads straight. There will be some more points on the board, for sure.

"The reaction from the players has been first class. They have had extra training, but it has been rewarding.

"We showed confidence and character, we went about our business in the right way. There may have been question marks over having two small lads up front, but we kept the ball on the ground and played some very good stuff.

"There was fantastic character from the players, a great reaction at half-time. Everybody was up for the fight in the second half. Steve Taylor's goal gave us the incentive.

"For long periods we dominated. We deserved maximum points. But in my first game we stopped the rot.

"It ended a five-match losing run. To do that at a tough place like Everton was excellent.

"I didn't see either goal. I was running down the steps to the dressing room when the first went in and just heard the roar. I just prayed it was for us.

"It was and I was delighted. Everyone was in a slightly better mood by the time I got to the dressing room than I had anticipated.

"For the second one I was on my way back up those stairs. I felt that maybe I should just go back and sit in the dressing room, not watch, and we would score another two.

"It was a great atmosphere in the dressing room. It was buzzing, and different to when I arrived.

"Everyone was on a downer then, and now I am looking forward to things. It does not matter how long I am here, only what I do when I am around."