Kevin Keegan was in talks with Newcastle on Wednesday with his future as club manager still unclear.
With Keegan not at training following reports of furious arguments with club officials, Newcastle were compelled for the second straight day to issue a statement confirming that he was still employed by the club.
“Newcastle United Football Club can confirm that discussions are ongoing between the Board and Kevin Keegan,” Newcastle said in a statement. “Both the club and Kevin would like to reiterate that Kevin remains as manager. He has not resigned nor has he been sacked.”
PHOTO: AP
Keegan’s first spell as Newcastle manager ended when he quit in January 1997, saying that he had taken the club as far as he could.
With Director of Football Dennis Wise deciding the club’s transfer policy, Keegan could be feeling the same way again.
Keegan was reportedly angered by Newcastle’s attempts to sell striker Michael Owen and midfielder Joey Barton before the transfer window closed on Monday.
The supposed rift is the latest in a string of incidents since the famously passionate and occasionally volatile Keegan returned to Newcastle eight months ago.
Keegan sought reassurances over his future just two weeks into his second spell as manager when the club appointed Wise without consulting him.
Wise is responsible for hiring players and Keegan appears to have been upset by the fact that he only brought in midfielders Jonas Gutierrez, Danny Guthrie, defender Fabrizio Coloccini and striker Xisco since the end of last season. Midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez also joined on loan.
Club owner Mike Ashley also ordered Keegan to be more tactful in public following his comments last season that it was unrealistic for Newcastle to challenge for a place in the Champions League.
But Keegan’s view appears to be correct, particularly after Newcastle’s lack of positive activity in the transfer market.
Keegan has said repeatedly that he wants the club to offer Owen a new contract to replace the one that expires at the end of this season, when the England striker would be able to leave on a free transfer.
This became even more important when a rejuvenated Owen hit seven goals in 10 games at the end of last season after Keegan deployed him as a deep-lying forward.
But Wise and Ashley appeared to think differently and reportedly considered selling the injury-prone striker to Everton or Manchester City.
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