Geordie heroes back Keegan
Keegan's appointment has been well-received on Tyneside
Wednesday, 16, Jan 2008 09:44
Former Newcastle United heroes Bobby Moncur and Steve Watson claim Kevin Keegan is the right man to get the club back on track.
Moncur was captain of the Magpies when they won the Fairs Cup in 1969, the last piece of silverware Newcastle won, but he thinks Keegan can lead the current side to glory.
The former defender says Keegan will lift the spirits of both the players and the supporters and that the extra motivation Keegan provides can inspire the team to fresh success.
He said: "I'm delighted he's coming back because we need a big man - someone to lift the whole place. The fans have been wanting to get back to the Kevin Keegan days. It's always more difficult second time around but Kevin feels he can do that."
Watson was part of Keegan's squad during the mid-1990s and believes that he can instigate the same style of attacking football at St James' Park that the team he played for was renowned for.
The Sheffield Wednesday player echoed Moncur's observation that the appointment will earn owner Mike Ashley many friends on Tyneside having brought back a fans favourite to replace Sam Allardyce.
"If you asked 99 per cent of the fans he [Keegan] would be the name on everyone's lips. The football that was played under him at Newcastle was the best for many a year and the fans will just be hopeful that something like that can return again," said Watson.
Details of who will form part of Keegan's staff are yet to be released but Alan Shearer's name continues to be linked with the club.
Keegan brought the striker back to Newcastle during his first spell as manager and the Toon Army will be hoping the pair can be reunited again.