Keegan Has The Support
By Tyne-Talk
August 9 2008
With questions arising over the lack of signings, the alleged lack of funds at St James' Park and the management of player contracts, there was no doubt that sooner rather than later reports of a feud between manager Kevin Keegan and owner Mike Ashley would resurface and former player Chris Waddle suggesting that if things do not work out Keegan will walk.
Over the last few days Mike Ashley has refuted suggestions he is to sell the club, instead insisting he is in talks about bringing funds in - investors. He has also said he will back Keegan to bring in the right players.
Ashley told the Daily Star:
"Players have to tick a lot of boxes for us to be interested. If we think he only wants to come to Newcastle for the wrong reasons, then we'll say 'you're not for us' and we'll look elsewhere.
But there is money for Kevin to spend. If the deal is right - and that means it's the right player who Kevin wants - then we will do that deal.
The days of buying players at the wrong time are gone.
I don't think the people and the structure we have now would have made the mistakes of the past.
The right player at the right time is who we are after now, players with the heart and passion to play for Newcastle and its supporters. Kevin doesn't stop emphasising that."
Newcastle's keeper Shay Given has also backed his manager to make it work.
He said:
"Kevin's absolutely the right man for this club.
It's his club, he knows it and the supporters inside out, but he needs to be given the right backing to get the players in as well. He has that charisma and aura which gives the players a huge lift when he speaks in the changing-room, but he hasn't got a magic wand, either, and he does need the backing of the club to get the players in.
When he came to the club, we were in big trouble. Now he wants to bring in some of his own players, who will strengthen us. We've only brought in a couple so far, so hopefully there will be a few more.
We hope things are going to be better this time, but I can't stand here and say they definitely will be. I do feel that we need to strengthen the squad a bit more, because it is too small."
