Kevin Keegan, now 56, has returned to St James' Park as manager, nearly ten years after leaving the club. But will he have what it takes to lift Newcastle United from the doldrums and give the fans a trophy to sing about?

Owner Mike Ashley has gone for his "own man" after releasing Sam Allardyce from his short spell in charge. Keegan had been out of the game for two-and-a-half years after spells with Fulham, England and Manchester City, during which he has seen all the highs and lows of football management .

We all know Kevin will ensure passion from the fans who previously idolised him both as a player and a manager. His lack of tactical ability has been questioned on a number of occasions in the past, but after taking time out of the game, will we see a shrewder Keegan who may be a bit less gung-ho? And will Alan Shearer be his right-hand man or will he go for his ever-loyal Terry McDermott, who saw Newcastle finish second back in the 1995-96 season?

'Keegan will be able to talk top-class players into donning the famous black-and-white striped shirt, but to break into the top four is a different situation'


Whoever stands alongside King Kevin, they will need to pull the dressing room round and get players in who want to die for the club.

Keegan, who joined Newcastle as a player back in 1982 for the then costly sum of £100,000, retired as a player two seasons later, only to return to football and Newcastle as manager in 1992 - when they were in the old Second Division. He won the club promotion as champions and in 1995-96 steered them into a 12-point lead in the Premiership before his passionate televised outburst against Manchester United - and the Old Trafford club's subsequent march the title.

That must have hit Keegan badly as he resigned the following January with Newcastle fourth in the table, only to join Fulham as chief operating officer in September 1998. When manager Ray Wilkins was sacked, Kevin took over and won the Second Division title in 1999 in a record-breaking season. But he left to manage England in an unpopular move amongst Fulham fans.

Keegan will be able to talk top-class players into donning the famous black-and-white striped shirt, but to break into the top four is a different situation. Will he have the time and commitment to stay to course? We'll have to wait and see.

Is Keegan a good appointment for Newcastle - or has he had his day? And should Shearer be his number two? Post your comments below or submit an article to Sportingo.