The One hope that the Magpies had to reach the top four. You don’t have to do anything as the owner of NU. Just let Keegan be there at the top, and the fans will be happy. Such is the respect NU fans have for King Kev, who took NU to the Premiership from the Championship twice, as a player and as a manager.
No one expected a blasting turnaround in January 08. But the Magpies made news and did surprise its critics. Aided by ManU’s poor performance or not, but NU did draw its first game of the season, with no names to match the opponents’ lineup, except for maybe Owen. Yes, Keegan didn’t work wonders this time so far, but I guess no one else could have, either.
To me, all this transfer-window-concerns look like a stunt to get someone else into the job. Dennis Wise didn’t agree with Kevin on many things, and that we all know. So, they need a new guy and Keegan can’t go just like that. So, there’s this atmosphere that restricts King Kev’s authority and all this hoopla over nothing. Keegan promises three great signings for the season. Xisco comes in, and note Aston Villa was working out if he’d ‘fit’ their team. Come on, NU and Villa are poles apart! When NU should look at top players, they sign Xisco! Ignacio is another bet, though. It’s a gamble that could pay off, but I have this strange feeling it was not part of Kevin’s plans.
And top it, Milner leaves. Milner was a talent who could have been the future at NU. And this one.. Keegan wants Joey Barton in, no one else behind St.James Park does. He does not have the team he wants. Keegan is beyond the stage when he is ‘given’ a team. He is no more an entry level coach! And the bosses damn well know it.
“This is the last day I officially support Newcastle United”, claims a fan on BBC. And I’ve heard that NU doesn’t have mere fans, the club has sheer fanatics. For such a club, this is a totally embarrassing statement to earn from a loyal.
And Ashley! If Mike Ashley doesn’t go through with the same rate of victories NU enjoys this season.. Man, he's done for! 4 points from 3 games (Check this! Beats Bolton, Draws ManU and loses to Arsenal). This is a result card that’s acceptable with the likes of Liverpool or Chelsea. And out goes Keegan. This is a pattern that was bound to shake a few clubs. And if NU doesn’t do that this season, Oh well, I can’t imagine what’s in store. But if they do, Mike Ashley will have to work out a miracle and will be remembered and glorified as a Magician. It all depends on how it turns out from here.
To the top or to the Dungeons. There’s no midpoint.
Whatever, I still adore the way Keegan went about his job these 8 months.. Absolutely adorable. No one else in the history of the Club deserves the place Keegan does. And it’s time Mike Ashley & Dennis Wise realise it.
And hey, it seems the club plans to sue Keegan for not staying through the three point five years mentioned in the contract. And 2 million euros at that! I am sure Keegan has given that and much more to NU in the last twenty years. So, I guess HE should be claiming the rest of the value given by him to the club over the years!
NU is not about getting to the top anymore. And for someone who said Keegan can work wonders way back in January, I have lost hope in the Club and its management, and so will its investors.