Confusion surrounds Kevin Keegan’s future as Newcastle, despite assurances from the club that he has not resigned.
His second spell at the helm appeared to have come to an abrupt end just eight months into his tenure amid claims he had clashed with owner Mike Ashley over transfer policy.
But the club insisted he had not been sacked, while the League Managers’ Association said he had not quit.
“Newcastle Football Club and its fans are massively important to Kevin,” said LMA chief executive Richard Bevan.
“He has not resigned, he’s in a difficult position and he’ll be discussing important issues with the Newcastle board over the next few days,” Bevan told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I can understand there is an eagerness for more information on the problems but at this stage it is important that we let the parties communicate and it would be inappropriate for me to pre-judge any outcome or explain the issues much more at this particular point.
“I’m just saying he has not resigned, he will be working hard to communicate with the Newcastle board and we’ll have to wait and see what the outcome is over the next few days.”
Keegan’s position at the club came under scrutiny after he was summoned by the hierarchy on Tuesday morning following reports that he was unhappy with Newcastle’s lack of transfer activity during the transfer window.
He had suggested last Friday that he would have three or four more players at his disposal by the time the window closed on Monday. In the event, only striker Xisco and loan signing Ignacio Gonzalez arrived on Tyneside.
Newcastle issued a statement later on Monday, insisting he was still their manager.
“Newcastle United can confirm that meetings between members of the board and manager Kevin Keegan were held both yesterday (Monday) and today (Tuesday),” it read.
“Kevin has raised a number of issues and those have been discussed with him.
“The club wants to keep progressing with its long-term strategy and would like to stress that Kevin is extremely important, both now and in the future.
“Newcastle United values the effort and commitment shown by Kevin since his return to St James’ Park and wants him to continue to play an instrumental role as manager of the club.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the club has not sacked Kevin Keegan as manager.”
