Former Newcastle United striker Mick Harford has turned down the job to work at Newcastle United. Harford was offered a position to work as as assistant alongside Newcastle United Director of Football Joe Kinnear, but Harford passed on the opportunity.

Harford told Sky Sports News:

“I have declined an offer to be Joe Kinnear’s assistant.

“After meeting with Mike Ashley and Joe Kinnear, I made the decision that it’s not the right time for me to take up this role.

“It was an honor to be asked to work at a fantastic club and I have the utmost respect for the club and its fans.

“I am currently enjoying a role helping out at Millwall, but would like to thank Mike Ashley and Joe Kinnear for the opportunity.”

Harford was reported to be very close to a deal, so it makes you wonder why he backed out at the last minute — whether it was not enough money, or perhaps the job would be tougher than expected working alongside — to be frank — a bumbling idiot such as Kinnear.

As a further development to the story, Mick Harford has been promoted to assistant manager at Millwall.

In the meantime, Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is hoping that Kinnear can sign a new striker for the club after Shola Ameobi is out injured while Papiss Cisse refuses to play for the club if he has to wear the shirt-sponsored jersey.