To even pick up the phone to Kineear, mind you after KK walked saying he was sick of Ahsley selling his players, I'm not sure who would have taken the job on.
For me, I have zero faith in Ashley going out and picking up a young forward thinking manager or an expierniced old head. He has the club where he wants it. Why change it?
Minimal outlay / maintain league status - Pardew delivers this.