Newcastle United have confirmed that Joe Kinnear has passed all his fitness tests following his heart bypass surgery in February, but will not be returning in any capacity before the end of the season.
 
Kinnear has been told that he will make a complete recovery, but it is still unsure what role he will return to the club in now Alan Shearer has been appointed  manager until the end of the season.
 
There were reports that Kinnear could make a return to The Magpies’ training ground ahead of their crunch relegation clash with Stoke City on Saturday, but they have proved to be false.
 
This was confirmed by Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias, who said: “Joe had  his tests on Monday and the doctors were pleased with him.
 
“He’s lost two stone in weight and has passed all his tests with flying colors. He’s on the mend – in two months time he should be fully fit.”
 
Shearer’s arrival has lifted spirits on Tyneside, not just amongst the fans but the playing staff too, according to Shearer himself.
 
Newcastle's record goalscorer told the club's official website: “The lads are in buoyant mood despite Saturday’s result. We can and we will take positives from that game and we have told the players that.
 
“It’s also been a help having a full week’s training compared to last week when we had just two days.
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"Every game is huge, but after Saturday's game, the Stoke game has become even huger, if there is such a word!"