The news that Kevin Keegan quit his job as manager of Newcastle United has come as something of a shock, particularly to those on Tyneside who expected to witness a transformation of the club as his second spell in charge.

Keegan possesses something of a legendary status at the club, which is why his departure has ignited a wave of shock and disappointment to not only Newcastle United fans, but also to football fans around the country.

Despite the agony and tough times that Newcastle as a club will face in the next few weeks, they are already seeking potential replacements for Keegan. Tottenham assistant coach Gus Poyet is believed to be one of many targets for Newcastle chairman Mike Ashley. The Independent newspaper, on the other hand, claim that Tottenham Hotspur are ''confident'' that Poyet will stay at the club despite the speculation surrounding his future.

I personally feel that such a move, should it ever go through, would infuriate many Tottenham fans after the club recently witnessed the double departure of their two most prolific strikers in Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, now of Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

Since the arrival of Juande Ramos and Poyet to Tottenham, the overall set-up looks to have improved, as has the squad. I firmly believe that Spurs must not be percieved as a ''selling club''. Although it has been re-iterated by the Spurs heirarchy that this is not the case, the sale of Poyet would be going back on their claim and the overall structure of the club would be shifted off balance.

Poyet without a doubt, has a pivotal role as Ramos's assistant and his involvement with both training and within games is fundamental to Tottenham's progression in all competitions.

David Moyes of Everton and Dider Deschamps are said to be possible other candidates for the Newcastle job. Despite the disappointment of the Toon fans, the club are in need of a successor and any move should be done as swiftly and as hassle-free as possible.

New signings Jonas Gutierrez from Real Mallorca and Fabricio Collocini from Deportivo La Caruna have already had a dramatic impact at Newcastle and, should the right appointment arrive to take charge of the club, then I do still feel that Newcastle are contenders for a UEFA Cup spot this season.

I do hope that the situation is settled before any more harm is done to the club than has already been witnessed by the fans there.