They had a famous FA Cup run in the early 1990s, eventually being knocked out by Crewe 3-1 in the 3rd round. Roly Howard was manager for a record 33 years (1972-2005), although he will always be remembered by some fans as Kenny Dalglish's window cleaner. TV presenter Ray Stubbs once asked: "How's business, Roly?" to which Roly replied "Oh you know - ups and downs."
Former players include Michael Ball (Everton and Rangers) and Stephen Wright (Liverpool and Sunderland). The club motto is 'To Enjoy, Not Destroy.'
I LIKE Kevin Keegan. He formed a big part of my childhood and brought Liverpool fans a lot of happiness in the mid-1970s. He seems a really decent bloke.
But, what on earth is he doing going back to St James Park? It's surely got failure written all over it.
A decade ago Keegan's appointment as Newcastle boss brought entertainment but not a single trophy, unless I missed something.
Why will it change ten years on? The task is even harder now with a wider gulf between Newcastle and the Big Four. I can't imagine Kev's a better manager now than then. Especially since he's been playing golf for the last two years.
Keegan has developed a reputation for walking out on jobs when things get sticky or at least when the reality of not succeeding becomes clear. Manchester City. England. Oh, and Newcastle United.
Of course, that's no bad thing. Some money-grabbing managers hang on till they're sacked.
(Watch this and weep - great video of Keegan's final game for Newcastle. Look out for Lawro's leg-breaker. Oh, and the cheesiest farewell ever.)
Already, Keegan will be wondering if he's made the right move. His appearance in the stand at tonight's FA Cup clash with Stoke alongside owner Mr Ashley (I can't remember the bloke's first name) exuded uncertainty.
His body language was awkward as he turned away from his new boss. Perhaps he was hoping he was not asked questions for which he did not have the right answers.
I can see why Ashley's made the appointment. It's a winner with the Toon Army. I can also see why he may approach Alan Shearer to team up with Keegan.
I just can't see why Keegan has accepted the job - especially after his TV vow last year to Gaby Logan (she'll alway be Yorath to me) not to return to management. Oh Gaby, was he just telling you what you wanted to hear?
It won't be long before the bookies open a market on how long Keegan lasts this time. I'll go for next Wednesday. About tea-time.
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Wor Breuer wrote...
As a Newcastle fan, post-Keegan we have had to endure the dire and trophy-less football of Dalglish (who made signings that really do not bear any sort of scrutiny), Souness (ditto signings and football) and Allardyce (again look at Barton, Cacapa and his hoofing tactics). Under Robson we at least attempted to play football, but with wayward, ill-disciplined players it was always going to be too much to ask for a trophy. Gullit's reign was undermined by Shearer and Roeder was well intentioned but not up to a premier league job. So if the alternative is another trophy-less but at least enjoyable journey with Keegan then I'm all for it. Plus, funny how the mere presence of Keegan suddenly galvanised the self-obsessed and self-serving Owen in to his best performance for months. I think your cod-pyschological analysis of Keegan's posture from what, a montage of clips that would last what 20, 30 seconds? is a bit much! Touchline Freud.
Posted by: Wor Breuer | January 17, 2008 9:21 AM