Former Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan held shock talks with the Premier League club’s owner Mike Ashley on Friday. However, it was unclear whether or not the discussions were linked to Keegan returning to the manager’s hot-seat, just eight days after he sensationally walked out.
The League Managers Association (LMA) confirmed that talks “to resolve several issues were held” between Keegan and Ashley.
“However, the discussions failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion,” an LMA statement said.
PHOTO: AP
Former England manager Keegan resigned as Newcastle manager for the second time on Sept. 4, stating: “It’s my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.”
Keegan’s departure led to a backlash from supporters against the Newcastle board and specifically Ashley and executive director of soccer Dennis Wise.
Keegan, 57, may have to pay compensation to Newcastle for leaving his post after less than eight months and discussions over that issue could also have prompted a meeting with Ashley. It is not clear whether or not the two men will hold further talks after the news of the unexpected meeting sparked hopes of a reconciliation on Tyneside.
As rumors over the meeting’s nature grew, some bookmakers responded by suspending betting on Keegan taking over as the next manager.
Keegan tendered his resignation after becoming increasingly disillusioned with how team affairs were being run. He was furious with the way the club had addressed the process of strengthening his squad when, after selling midfielder James Milner to Aston Villa for £12 million (US$21.5 million) with just days of the summer transfer window remaining, they recruited only Spain under-21 striker Xisco and loan signing Ignacio Gonzalez.
Keegan met with managing director Derek Llambias on several occasions, but eventually decided to walk away.
Newcastle issued a statement on Sept. 6 claiming Keegan had been fully aware of his responsibilities.
In recent days, a series of candidates have been linked with the vacant post, with Tottenham Hotspur No. 2 Gus Poyet leading the way.
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