RETURN OF THE KING ... Keegan hails the fans in
January 2008 - and he may be back
The latest twist in the Toon saga emerged as Newcastle
drew 0-0 with Leeds in front of just 16,000 fans at St James' Park
- and 5,000 of those were supporting the visitors.
It was a far cry from the days when the football-mad
Geordies would turn up in their thousands just to welcome a new
player.
Such was the gloomy air around the eerily-silent
ground, club officials even had crowd cheers played through the
Tannoy system when the players came out. But an upbeat Llambias
claimed to be dealing with several interested parties, including
Sirous Mahjoob who wants to install Keegan - and
NOT Alan Shearer - as manager.
Llambias confirmed he is ready to meet Mahjoob in the
next few days but that alternative deals are on the table. It means
the end is in sight for controversial owner Mike Ashley, whose
£240m investment in the Toon has been a nightmare, culminating in
relegation to the Championship.
Llambias said: "We are dealing with several people and
giving most of our time and attention to the sale. "You must
remember that some parties make offers but when it comes to putting
up proof of funds they are a long way from sealing a deal. "But I
can say we are very close to completing a deal and it could happen
next week."
On Tuesday, the Singapore-based Profitable Group,
fronted by ex-Liverpool star Steve McMahon, pulled out. Whatever
happens, it seems that caretaker-boss Chris Hughton will be in
charge of Newcastle's opening clash at West Brom on Saturday week
because there simply will not be time for new owners to appoint
their own man.
Llambias added: "It's Catch 22 - anyone who signs a
deal will want their own choice of manager. "Look what happened
when Mike took over, Sam Allardyce was already in place and he
didn't want him."
One of Mahjoob's intentions is to use the club as a
global advertising vehicle for a new information website. Should
his £100m offer be successful he promises to hand over £40m for new
players.
His spokesman said: "The money is there. Mr Mahjoob has
a healthy interest in football and is bidding to take over an
ailing club with a great worldwide reputation. "He envisages a
clean sweep with Kevin Keegan coming back as manager, this time
with his own staff and control of players.
"Last time Keegan inherited a lot of people he didn't
necessarily want and we don't want the same situation again. "He
has nothing against Shearer. He just thinks Keegan retains greater
global appeal."
Last night's game highlighted how far the club have
fallen - 13 years to the day after Shearer joined from
Blackburn.
Their expensive team of misfits was out-passed in the
first half, with Leeds midfielder Fabian Delph looking head and
shoulders above the opposition.
Joey Barton decided he had been made to look foolish
once too often and took out Delph with a body check.
Obafemi Martins was not among the subs, paving the way
for his £7.5m move to German club Wolfsburg.
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