Kinnear admitted to hospital

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear was today being treated in hospital after falling ill. The north-east club said Kinnear was admitted "as a precautionary measure" and would miss this afternoon's Barclays Premier League game at West Brom.

Assistant boss Chris Hughton, who acted as caretaker manager before Kinnear was appointed, will take charge of the team at The Hawthorns.

A club spokesman said: "This morning, Joe Kinnear reported feeling unwell at the team hotel ahead of Newcastle United's game at West Bromwich Albion.

"After being examined by the club's medical staff, Joe was taken to hospital, as a precautionary measure, where he remains under observation.

"Joe will miss the game, with Chris Hughton taking charge of the team at The Hawthorns."

Newcastle have not revealed any other details.

Kinnear suffered a mild heart attack in March 1999 during his time as Wimbledon boss and later stood down from his post because of ill-health.

He went on to manage Luton and Nottingham Forest, but then spent four years out of the game.

The former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland defender was appointed as interim boss at Newcastle in September last year in the wake of Kevin Keegan's departure, and admitted his earlier efforts to return had been hampered by the concerns of potential employers over his health.

He launched his reign at St James' Park with a run of five games which brought just one defeat, but wins over today's opponents West Brom and Aston Villa in quick succession have been followed by just two more, over fellow strugglers Portsmouth and Tottenham.

However, owner Mike Ashley extended Kinnear's initial rolling monthly contract to the end of the season, and the manager revealed last month that he had been offered a two-year deal to remain on Tyneside.

His stay at St James' Park to date has proved eventful, bringing him three Football Association charges - he admitted one, a second was found "not proved" and the third is outstanding - as well as a crippling injury crisis and a difficult transfer window.

Newcastle lost goalkeeper Shay Given and midfielder Charles N'Zogbia to Manchester City and Wigan respectively, and were only able to recruit Kevin Nolan, Ryan Taylor and Peter Lovenkrands when the manager had hoped to sign "four or five" players before the two departures.