Keegan talks not on exit money, says insider

Sep 4 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

KEVIN KEEGAN remained locked in talks with the Newcastle United board last night as his future remained uncertain.

The club yesterday moved to quash rumours that Keegan had left the club for a third time, but again confirmed “discussions” were continuing.

An official statement referred to “both the club and Kevin”, stressing he was still manager at St James’s Park.

The news Keegan has called the League Managers Association (LMA) into the talks has sparked further speculation the popular manager’s departure is being negotiated.

But after Tuesday’s stormy scenes outside the ground, fans yesterday said they hoped the talks were a sign Keegan would remain in charge.

The club statement, issued at 11.45am after Keegan was again missing from the training ground at Benton, said: “Newcastle United Football Club can confirm that discussions are ongoing between the board and Kevin Keegan.

“Both the club and Kevin would like to reiterate that Kevin remains as manager. He has not resigned, nor has he been sacked, as has been confirmed in respective statements made by Kevin and Newcastle United Football Club.”

The Keegan statement referred to was released yesterday morning by the LMA “in respect of Kevin Keegan”.

It said: “Kevin Keegan has been in discussions today with the LMA chief executive Richard Bevan. Over the course of the next few days, Kevin will be communicating with the club’s board to discuss a number of important issues.”

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan, who said he had spoken at length with Keegan on Tuesday evening, later said: “He is in a difficult position, but he has not resigned.

“He’ll be discussing important issues with the Newcastle board over the next few days. I can understand there is an eagerness for more information on the problems.

“But at this stage it is important that we let the parties communicate and it would be inappropriate for me to pre-judge any outcome or explain the issues much more at this particular point.

“I’m just saying he has not resigned, he will be working hard to communicate with the Newcastle board and we’ll have to wait and see what the outcome is over the next few days.”

Bevan would not be drawn into explaining the “discussions”, but did deny reports that he was negotiating a compensation package on behalf of the Newcastle manager.

The Keegan story continued to be the main talking point in the world of football yesterday until West Ham manager Alan Curbishley announced his resignation.

And the man who almost took the Newcastle job after Sam Allardyce left said Keegan’s position was untenable if he had been shown a lack of respect.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp said: “Only Kevin would know if he’s been undermined. From an outsider’s point of view, we don’t know what’s happened.

“But Kevin knows. He’s a proud man and if he feels he’s been undermined, then he must make a decision over his future. Pride’s at stake and if he feels he’s not been treated with the respect he deserves, then he’ll have to walk. Only Kevin knows if players have been sold without his knowledge, but it has happened to a few clubs recently. Hopefully there’s a way of getting everything back on track, but I wouldn’t bet on it now.”

Speaking to The Journal yesterday, Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: “Kevin Keegan is a great role model as far as managers are concerned and very passionate about his football.

“It is clearly a matter for the club, but the fans clearly have a view.”

Yesterday Frank Gilmour, of the Newcastle United Independent Supporters’ Association, said he would be happier when fans heard from Kevin Keegan.

But he is hoping that the longer the saga carries on, the more chance there is the manager will keep his position.

He said: “The longer this goes on, the more chance there is of him staying and that’s all good news for Newcastle United fans.

“We don’t know what the issues are, but we want Kevin Keegan to remain here as manager. The support he has here is unbelievable.

“Hopefully negotiations will come to the point where Kevin Keegan stays, then we can get on to the positive matters.

“We hope everything gets sorted in the next couple of weeks and we get on to supporting the team that we love with a manager in place that loves the club.”