messiah?
We know how the Toon Army will receive Kevin Keegan - like
a messiah, back from the wilderness to revive the flagging fortunes
of their precious club. But what will the Newcastle dressing room
make of this sensational appointment, of the decision to bring back
a manager who depends on enthusiasm, passion and charisma like no
other around?
I don't suppose the name or reputation means all that much to the
likes of Claudio Cacapa, David Rozehnal and Jose Enrique, the
latest signings to haplessly try and cure United's defensive woes.
These are foreign imports, after all, largely unfamiliar with
Geordie folklore. Blank looks would probably meet any mention of
the 4-3 classics with Liverpool or the time Keegan's swashbuckling
trailblazers led the Premiership by 12 points, only to throw it
away in heartbreaking style.
Why should they, anyway? None of that matters now, especially to a
group of players badly in need of direction; a group, no doubt,
curious to see what all the fuss is about. Some, of course, don't
really need telling. Michael Owen and Nicky Butt, for instance,
know all about Keegan's methods, having worked under the great
tub-thumper with England.
Then there is Joey Barton, a signing that came to signify the
short, ill-fated reign of Sam Allardyce better than anyone. Barton
was handed his Manchester City debut by Keegan, who is set to take
charge on Saturday for the visit of Bolton.
By then, those in the know will have passed on the 'info'.
Team-mates in the dark will have been thoroughly briefed on what to
expect. Mind you, it won't take long for them to see for
themselves. Feel it as well. For when Keegan walks in for the first
time and gathers his new charges around for a chat, the aura of the
man can't fail to hit home.
Whether it's Cacapa and Co or the British lads, the new boss'
presence will surely have an effect, as it will when it comes to
the transfer market. That's going to be one major plus point,
surely - the ability of Keegan to attract big-name players,
particularly if the bandwagon gathers pace straight away in the
form of better results and a more adventurous brand of
football.
On a more cautious note, we are assuming, of course, that Keegan's
hunger for the game has been totally replenished during his time
away; that, at 56, this is roughly the same character who stood on
those steps 13 years ago.
If not, there wouldn't be much point, would there? Few clubs, after
all, would take a chance on employing the grey, jaded figure who
left Manchester City nearly three years ago. At that point, the
game looked to be up. Keegan's deep well of desire seemed to have
run dry.
We presume, therefore, that Mike Ashley and Chris Mort, owner and
chairman at Newcastle, were won over by the old magic during the
interview. Nobody talks a better game. No-one can generate
excitement quite like King Kev.
