Keegan - I was best candidate

Ex-Magpies boss says he was the top choice for the job

By James Pearson   Last updated: 18th January 2008

Keegan - I was best candidate

Keegan: The ideal candidate

I think I'm the best qualified person to come here and do the job.

Keegan
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Kevin Keegan believes he was the ideal candidate to succeed Sam Allardyce as Newcastle United manager.

The former England boss was unveiled by The Magpies for a second time on Friday - 11 years after quitting his first spell in charge.

The 56-year-old believes that having played for the North East giants and managed them previously he knows how to bring back the glory days of the 90s.

"I know the club. I know it inside out and back to front. I know what the fans want," Keegan said live on Sky Sports News.

"I don't have to come up and learn all of those things. That's not easy. I'm not saying it's impossible.

Very special

"This is a very special club. I think I'm the best qualified person to come here and do the job. That's why I think I can do something.

"Every time the job came up there was a little bit of envy. That's how I felt every time the job came up. I left because of circumstances last time.

"This club doesn't scare me. The job ahead doesn't scare me."

Meanwhile, Keegan has confirmed he is yet to speak to fans' favourite Alan Shearer about joining the club's coaching staff.

"I haven't spoken to him yet to be honest. The right answer is that I've concentrated fully on the match Saturday," he added.

"If there's a role that Alan wants then I think there's a job here for him. I'll definitely talk to him."

Newcastle were challenging for the Premier League title the last time Keegan was in charge and he sees no reason why they cannot break into the top four this time around.

"I said to (owner) Mike Ashley 'What do you want to do?' and he said 'I want to win something'.

"That might sound like a tough challenge, but it is possible to win something here. It is possible to win a cup and break into the top four.

"Not overnight, but it is possible. I don't think in the last few years that the players have seen this club at its best.

"We've done it once, we can do it again."

Signings

Keegan has confirmed he would like to strengthen his squad, although he refused to say how much backing he will receive from Ashley or whether the players will arrive in January.

"I think we're a club who can go and get big players. If they are the right players. We can do that.

"We've got two weeks left of the transfer window. Realistically a lot of players don't move at this time of year.

"We will be trying to fetch two or three players in. We will not fetch them in to make up the numbers."

Finally, Keegan is back working with Joey Barton at Newcastle, a player who he managed during his time at Manchester City.

The tough-tackling midfielder has a some-what chequered past, although Keegan is prepared to wipe the slate clean despite being let down by him in the past.

"I know Joey. I've had him at Manchester City at the age of 16. I can't control what's gone on before. As a Newcastle United player I'll support him 100 per cent.

"I'll help him in any way I can. He's openly said he needs help. He's an excellent player. He can improve. He's had some little problems but I've told him he's got my full support.

"I've given it to him before and he's let me down, but he's got it again because I'm convinced that all he wants to do is come and play for this football club."

Comments (11)

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John Shill says...

He's just not the right man for the job. He's not now or ever will be a successful manager. He was a great footballer but has no management achievements. He's very much a lightweight compared to others. As for forming a partnership with shearer get real, Keegan plus a complete novice equals relegation. But look at your owner first magpie fans coz the appointment of Keegan shows a lack of vision from him. Newcastle will be a great team again but not with Keegan and with no thanks to your current owner

Posted 09:08 19th January 2008

Jack Chew (Newcastle United fan) says...

Even though I admire Keegan's acheivements during his last tenure, its hard to see him having the same effect today. Tactically, its very possible that he would not be able to get to grips with today's game. Most teams packed five in mid-field and play one up front. To play two strikers, which he is probably going to do, in this day and age is definitely a luxury and possibly suicidal. Success today, and for that matter for all times, depends on a flexible tactical system that gives equal emphasis to defence and attack. While the kind of swashbuckling and cavalier approach taken by Keegan was not disastrous in his first spell in that Newcastle was challenging for honours, it could very well be today. I hope I am wrong though.

Posted 09:04 19th January 2008

Danny Littlechild (Preston North End fan) says...

Kevin Keegan will be good for the premiership and good for Newcastle. I'm looking forward to seeing who he will sign. No matter what, it will be exciting.

Posted 15:26 18th January 2008

Phil Round (Aston Villa fan) says...

I think toon fans need to get real! Because as a villa fan, we've had all this before! Big Ron nearly winning the title. European Cup winner 1982. We have that 'big club' tag as well. But Keegan won't have the same effect as last time! Oh well, should have got O'Neill when you had the chance! I love being a Villa fan!!!!

Posted 15:23 18th January 2008

Mark Smith (Newcastle United fan) says...

i think keegan will do well in his first season. But he has two weeks left to buy some players. i will be watching tomorrows match. i think the score will be 3-0

Posted 15:20 18th January 2008

Glenn Roberts (Newcastle United fan) says...

Fasten your seat belts, we in for the biggest roller coaster ride in modern football, all you none believers will be sucked back in the the Keegan wonderland again.

Posted 15:17 18th January 2008

Chris Grib (Manchester United fan) says...

Keegan - didn't win anything when he managed Newcastle before, what makes everyone think he can win anything now? He is tactically inept, quits when the going gets tough and the fickle Geordies will be expecting a Champions League place next season. Newcastle is a small club - just because some ugly overweight blokes take off their tops in the freezing cold and belt out a few Newcastle songs does not mean you are a big club - you have not won anything worth mentioning in over 50 years!

Posted 15:14 18th January 2008

Andrew Bridge (Manchester United fan) says...

a champ??? the glory days of the 90's????? when the toon won .....????? kk's most memorable moments were "i'd love it if we beat them" after losing the title to united and crucifying becks after losing to argentina in 98. the golden age of toon football and ...rants 1 - trophies 0. too bad he wasn't at old trafford for the second half :)

Posted 15:13 18th January 2008

Paul Williams (Newcastle United fan) says...

He's been out of the game for 3 years because it's taken him that long to convince Ronaldiniho to come to Newcastle ;)

Posted 14:47 18th January 2008

Steven Elliott (Newcastle United fan) says...

brilliant! i love being a newcastle united fan

Posted 14:39 18th January 2008

David Dogg (Dundee fan) says...

Damn right you are - absolute champ! You'll need to get rid of some of the horrendous defenders 1st but you can pile into the transfer window and take it from there. Should also have a look at signing Juan Sara

Posted 14:30 18th January 2008
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