The Debate: would you welcome Kevin Keegan back to Newcastle?

"When you do that with managers like what the media said about Harry Redknapp; and when you do things like that about a man like Alan Shearer. I, I, I've kept really quiet, but I'll tell you something - Kevin Keegan has not ruled himself out of the running - I would not resort to that. And I'll tell ya, you can tell Mike Ashley now, he'll be reading this - Newcastle are still looking for a manager, they're still fighting for a top name and I've got to go to Newcastle and get something, and ... and I'll tell you honestly, the Geordies will love it if I say yes - LOVE IT!"

Ok, so we admit to distorting Kevin Keegan's famous rant (watch footgage below) for the basis of our latest debate, but the man who nearly took Newcastle United to the Premier League title in 1996 is refusing to rule out a return to Tyneside. He is passionate, committed to entertaining football and available. Also, his tenure at St James' Park did more than anything to give Newcastle supporters a reason to believe they follow a big club. But would he be welcomed back as manager? Share your views on Keegan by leaving a comment and voting in our poll below:

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Watch a reminder of Keegan's passion:

Comments

[Ian]

I don't know how he got a "resounding thumbs-up" as it was 50:50 when I voted.

I think excluding Alan Shearer this is the worst appointment possible. Whilst remembering the quality of the football played by his team, let us also not forget Newcastle didn't win anything when he was coach and he walked out on us, saying he wold never coach again.

How can any one take this appointment seriously?

They truly had the chance to try and build something special with an elite European manager either now or in the summer, like Chelsea did, like Arsenal still are but no, yet again another opportunity goes begging.

[cwei westcott]

Why not take Rafa to Newcaste thus leaving Toshack & Keegan to take Liverpool

[Sergio]

Is there a bigger Gordie than Kigan and Shearer? It is unbelievable that Ashley can not see it. What football Blackburn is playing?? Same as Allerdyce seeing it.
Go for KIng Kevin.

[SB]

Oh please no. Never go back, ever.

[Kevin Rossiter]

Shearer Keegan Dreamticket? Possibly? Shearer never made a really big fortune as a player, and the BBC could be a fickle paymaster if they don't win enough Match of the Day contracts. So follow the money and reckon a big pay off, with money guarantees regardless of success or failure, could pull Alan S back to the Toon. But would he obey The Keegan? Shearer is notoriously proud and might not take to being told what to do. There's the doubt.

[Patrick Rice]

Probably the LEAST scientific comment you might hear, but nevertheless, one worth considering all the more. So...

Who remembers the old songs we used to sing:

"Walking in a Keegan Wonderland"

Or how about:

"One Kevin Keegan, only one Kevin Keegan"

Ok, now that we got those out the road, ask yourself, when or who was the last manager we sang positively about in such a way.

Yes, completely unscientific, I did warn you.

But read between the lines, and it might just speak volumes about who we could use right now!

[Michael O'Neill]

He is the only available, acceptable candidate who would get a heroes welcome if he was to take the job. I'm sure we would fill teh stadium, just for his unveiling!

[Peter Koeb]

It would end in tears, this time around. He may be "only" 56, but he's already had his time in charge of the club. And how he must regret having let the EPL title slip through his hands. Bringing in Asprilla and over-egging the pudding.

The only realistic possibility would be some kind of "upstairs" role, in my opinion.

[Ian Elsom]

I don't know why, his time has probably been and gone... but hell yes I'd love to see King Kev back.
The toon have done nothing since he left...and he also did nothing...maybe it was always ment to be?