Keegan hits back at latest NUFC statement

Sep 7 2008 By Dan Thomson

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KEVIN Keegan today hit back at Newcastle United after suggestions he had agreed to the club’s new 'continental' management structure.

In a statement released by the League Managers’ Association, the former Newcastle United manager, who resigned on Thursday, reasserted his claim that he had not had control over transfer dealings.

Keegan said: “At the time at which I joined Newcastle United Football Club it was made very clear to me that I would have the final say on player movement in and out of the club.”

Richard Bevan, LMA chief executive, also added: “Kevin Keegan’s chief complaint, amongst others, is that it was always agreed that the director of football could not impose a player that the manager did not want.

“This agreement has been broken and, notwithstanding the fact that the chairman at the time of Kevin Keegan’s appointment, the director of football and the owner of Newcastle United, have confirmed previously in public meetings and publications, that he would always have the final say.”

Newcastle United issued a statement on the club website late on Saturday claiming Keegan had been fully aware of his role when he was appointed by Mike Ashley in January.

It stated: “It is a fact Keegan was allowed to manage his duties without any interference. 

“It is a fact he agreed not to talk to the media in relation to the acquisition or disposal of players.

“It is a fact that Kevin Keegan, as manager, had specific duties in that he was responsible for the training, coaching, selection and motivation of the team.

“It is a fact that Kevin Keegan worked within that structure from January 16 2008 until his resignation.”

In the statement, the club also criticised Keegan for making their dispute public. It said: “NUFC wished, at all times, to keep any dispute that it had with Kevin Keegan private.”

“It is therefore disappointing that information has reached the media through unnamed sources and a briefing has been given by the League Managers’ Association that could give rise to a misleading impression amongst the club’s fans.

“Newcastle United have no desire to engage in a war of words, but inaccurate reporting of factual matters and inaccurate allegations have to be corrected.”

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