Gerry Francis ponders Newcastle offer

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Gerry Francis has revealed he would be honoured to coach at Newcastle, but insists a deal to join Joe Kinnear's backroom staff is still a long way off.

Last week Magpies' interim manager Kinnear offered the former Tottenham manager a coaching role at the club.

Francis revealed his admiration for the club, but admitted he has yet to meet the 61-year-old to discuss the offer.

"I have spoken to Joe Kinnear and I have been made an offer," Francis told Sky Sports News.

"In the next few days we'll meet and discuss that offer. Newcastle is a tremendous football club and it would be an honour to coach there so it's nice to be asked to do that.

"I've not had much chance to talk to him (Kinnear). It's a very unusual situation there, that's why we'll be meeting."

Francis currently has a part-time coaching role at Newcastle's Barclays Premier League rivals Stoke - and admitted he would be reluctant to leave that post.

The 56-year-old, who was in charge at White Hart Lane from 1994 until 1997 and has also managed QPR, Bristol Rovers and Exeter, continued: "Stoke are a nice team and I'm enjoying that at the moment.

"We are all trying to prove the bookmakers wrong and we're working hard on that so I'm going to look at the offer and decide over the next couple of days.

"The time factor also comes into it. I don't know how long Joe is going to be there and that's a difficult job."

Kinnear was installed on a temporary contract after Kevin Keegan left his post as manager due to a disagreement with owner Mike Ashley.

Francis used to play alongside Keegan for England, but Francis insisted that would not affect his decision over whether or not to join the Magpies.

"Kevin is a friend of mine after playing with him and competing with him as manager," added Francis, who won 12 caps for his country.

"I was delighted he got back into football. I don't know Joe that well.

"I've never worked for him so it would be a new experience for me - but I've coached and worked with some of the best in the world so it shouldn't faze me."