The former Wimbledon boss is in interim charge at St James' Park while owner Mike Ashley tries to sell the club ... but he wants the job full-time.
Kinnear: "Does the squad need strengthening? Without a shadow of doubt.
"I would say we need five players. We are starting now, for the first time since I've been here, to analyse and make a list of areas we need to improve.
"We are also getting players back, key players, and might have a bit of competition for places. "The squad more or less picked itself because of the backlog of injuries when I arrived.
"I would be happy to stay here for life if I could. I would love to be part of it.
"It is the biggest club I have been in charge of. I am going to enjoy it and stake a claim for the future."