Magpies respond to Keegan criticism
by Tom Adams, 06 September 2008
Newcastle United have responded to criticism of Kevin Keegan’s departure by underlining that their former manager had worked without interference since January, and that any suggestion to the contrary could give a ‘misleading impression’ to supporters.
Magpies owner Mike Ashley and executive director (football) Dennis Wise have been criticised heavily by the club’s fans in the days following Keegan’s departure and the manager has stated that he quit Tyneside after seeing players moved in without his permission.
However, the Tyneside club now claim that Keegan agreed not to discuss transfer matters in the media and that the club's structure did not change or impinge on Keegan's work between January and September.
A statement read: "NUFC wished, at all times, to keep any dispute that it had with Kevin Keegan private.
"It is therefore disappointing that information has reached the media through unnamed sources and a briefing has been given by the League Managers Association that could give rise to a misleading impression amongst the club's fans.
"Newcastle United have no desire to engage in a war of words, but inaccurate reporting of factual matters and inaccurate allegations have to be corrected.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan, on appointment on January 16, 2008, agreed to report to a director of football and to the board.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan worked within that structure from January 16, 2008 until his resignation.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan, as manager, had specific duties in that he was responsible for the training, coaching, selection and motivation of the team.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan was allowed to manage his specific duties without any interference from any board member.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan agreed only to deal with the media in relation to club matters relating to the team and not to communicate with the media in relation to the acquisition or disposal of players.
"It is a fact that NUFC is a business and operates, like all businesses, with financial constraints.
"It is a fact that NUFC's financial constraints inform its transfer dealings.
"The board of NUFC have responsibility to ensure that the club is able to meet its commitments, which include the wages and the transfer fees for players.
"The structure at NUFC is clear, and has been clear from January 16, 2008."