Former boss Keegan has a warning for Pardew
Dec 11 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
AS Alan Pardew prepares for his St James’ Park debut emboldened by a “positive” first meeting with his squad, former boss Kevin Keegan has launched an astonishing and damaging attack on owner Mike Ashley.
In an incendiary opinion column reflecting on the sacking of Chris Hughton, the former United boss has accused United’s owner of knowing nothing about football and being impossible to deal with. He has also called for Ashley to sell up – reckoning that the club will not progress under his charge.
It is hardly an ideal backdrop for Pardew to take charge of United for the first time, although The Journal understands he enjoyed an encouraging first 24 hours with his playing staff.
The new manager met the squad yesterday morning and the players were understood to be impressed by much of what he had to say – with senior stars quick to rebuff talk of a dressing room rebellion against the new manager.
But Pardew knows the mood is dark at St James’ Park – and Newcastle icon Keegan (pictured right) has fuelled the fire by letting rip against the Ashley regime for the first time since his own controversial exit in September 2008.
Keegan said: “Chris Hughton’s shock departure from St James’ Park this week has once again demonstrated that Newcastle United need some stability, but you will never get stability when you have Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias running the club.
“Ashley has made no secret that he wants to sell Newcastle, and the best day will come when someone buys it from him and runs Newcastle like that club should be run. The club can never go anywhere under Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias – it can’t go anywhere, I promise you that.
“I do not understand the decision to get rid of Chris. I lived with the same people for eight months – I didn’t understand them then and I don’t understand them now, and I don’t think many of the fans do. When a man buys a club like Mike Ashley did, and he knows as little about football as he does, he is likely to make these sort of mistakes and these sort of judgements, and still think he is doing okay.
