Former Newcastle United striker Michael Owen believes that Joe Kinnear will be targeted by the club's fans if results suffer this season.
Kinnear was brought in as director of football earlier this summer, much to the disappointment of the Magpies' fans, and Owen thinks that Kinnear will come in for criticism should the team struggle during the new Premier League season.
"Heading into proceedings the Newcastle fans are perturbed about the return of Joe Kinnear," Owen told Sportlobster.
"Much depends on the start Newcastle have. If a few results go against them I can envisage Kinnear and his staff taking the blame.
"Papiss Cisse's eight goals and Newcastle's measly two away wins last season are worrying statistics for the Magpies."
Alan Pardew's side travel to Manchester City for their opening game of the new Premier League season on Monday.
