KINNEAR BOWS OUT

The 5-1 home defeat against Liverpool triggers a dreadful run that sees Newcastle win just one of their next 15 matches.

To add to their woes, Kinnear has to undergo a triple heart bypass at the start of February, meaning coach Chris Calderwood becomes Newcastle's fourth manager in seven months.

Defeats to Bolton and at home to Manchester United and Arsenal sees the Magpies drop into the relegation zone once again.