Kinnear, who was controversially hired last week, hit back at club record goalscorer Shearer after he branded the club a 'laughing stock'.

Shearer was Newcastle manager for the final eight games of the 2008-09 campaign in which the club was relegated from the Premier League after Kinnear had been forced to step away due to health issues.

The 42-year-old also claimed that Kinnear's appointment undermined the authority of manager Alan Pardew.

Kinnear has been quick to respond, slamming the former England international's knowledge of the game.

"What Shearer says is diabolical," Kinnear told The Sunday Times. "This is a guy who hasn't got a clue about coaching.

"Shearer keeps slagging me off. He is being disrespectful to me. I am entitled to fight back."

Kinnear had previously asserted that he had 'more intelligence' than the Newcastle fans in a series of TV and radio interviews.

The former Wimbledon boss admitted he regrets that remark, and issued an apology to the supporters.

"I regret what I said about the supporters," he added. "I can't get anybody to say that Joe has the utmost respect for the supporters and they are the most important people at the club.

"There are 10% I'm never going to win over, that is the point I was trying to make, but I regret what I said and if I offended any Newcastle fans I apologise."

Speculation has been rife that both Pardew and chief scout Graham Carr could leave the club over concerns about Kinnear's influence.

However, Kinnear has insisted he would not be involved with the first team.

"I will have the job of overlooking the reserves and the youth team and see where we are progressing, as well as being chief advisor to (chairman) Mike Ashley," he explained.

"I am not after his (Pardew) job. Alan knew there was a director of football coming in. He felt a little isolated and Mike sussed that."