Former Newcastle players told Sky Sports News that Kevin Keegan can bring the good times back.
Former Toon favourites back Keegan to turn it around
Bobby Moncur believes Kevin Keegan is just the man to bring the glory days back to Newcastle.
The former Magpies captain - the last man to lead them to silverware - admitted he was shocked as the 56-year-old agreed to a second stint in charge at St James' Park.
Keegan has been out of football since leaving Manchester City some two-and-a-half years ago, but was confirmed as Sam Allardyce's successor on Wednesday afternoon.
Moncur, who led the club to Fairs Cup glory back in 1969, had backed Alan Shearer as the new manager but was happy enough to see Keegan back in the hotseat.
"It's a bit of a shock, and a very a nice surprise that Kevin Keegan is coming back," he told
Sky Sports News.
"Initially when we were looking for a manager, Alan Shearer was in the frame and I didn't honestly think Kevin Keegan would be coming back. I thought he'd had enough of first-class football but I for one am delighted that he's come back.
"We needed a big man to lift the whole place and Kevin Keegan is certainly one of the men who can do that."
Moncur was less convinced though that Keegan will be able to create exactly the same buzz second time around.
He guided Newcastle to second place in the Premier League in 1995-96 and the team were renowned for their open, attacking football.
Newcastle have managed just 27 goals in 22 league games this season and their former captain believes fans would be wrong to expect more of the same. But, he says, if anyone can Keegan can.
"The problem of course for Kevin is can he recreate?" he said. "It's always more difficult second time round, but Kevin clearly feels he can do that.
"I don't believe the type of players Kevin had back then are here now, I think it's a bit more diffcult now to get that type of players, but if anyone can attract that type of player to Newcastle it's Kevin Keegan. He's proved he can do it before, so he can do it again."
Motivate
Warren Barton, who played under Keegan first time around, believes he will turn Newcastle into entertainers again.
He says his knowledge of the area and the club's fanatical support means he knows what is required and that he has the ability to bring the best out of the current playing squad.
"It's fantastic," he told
Sky Sports News. "I think the managers that have come in since Sir Bobby Robson have not realised what the club and the area is all about and what Newcastle United means to these fans," he said.
"Kevin Keegan knows all about that and has learned from his spells at England, Fulham and Man City. The fans will love him and the players will love playing for him - as I did.
"Kevin's strongest point is his team talks and his ability to motivate players. He always told us to go out and entertain and I just hope that during his time away he has become a bit more tactically aware and he has learned the international game.
"I say that because football has moved on and he has not been involved for a few years."
Right choice
Alan Kennedy, who played for the club for six years, shared the same concerns but believes Keegan's work ethic will be crucial.
He pointed to the fact that he has already walked out on Newcastle and England and the huge task he has in turning the Toon round again, but believes if he does fail it will not be for want of trying.
"It might be difficult for him, but they've probably made the right choice," he told
Sky Sports News.
"He's walked away from several jobs as well as the Newcastle one and certainly from his point of view, he's the right man at the right time.
"He's been out of management for a couple of years now, but I think the fans will be really, really happy that he's coming back. Whether he can get back to what they were when he was manager previously remains to be seen.
"But the one thing about Kevin is he always gives more than 100 per cent - and he'll certainly have to do that again with the players he's got."
Emotions
Former Newcastle manager
Jim Smith warned that Keegan faces a much tougher task.
He labelled the decision to appoint him as a "knee-jerk reaction" by owner Mike Ashley and chairman Chris Mort, but admits the fans will be happy to see him back in charge.
"It's a knee-jerk reaction to everything that has gone on but I hope it works out for Newcastle - for the fans and the club," he said.
"We all know he was a great player and his emotions run high - possibly too high at times - and he expects his teams to play as he did. That means they are positive and attack-minded and that is what the Geordies like.
"From the day he left there the Premier League has got much harder and much more technical. All the clubs have got stronger and the competition is fiercer. There is a higher class of players throughout the top half of the league so it is going to be difficult.
"You can see already that the crowds love him because he's an idol up there. The Geordies moan and groan, but they are also the biggest optimists around.
"They will all be turning up at the next few games hoping Kevin can turn things around and give them what they want."
