The Daily Telegraph report some interesting comments from Sir Alex Ferguson regarding the re-appointment of Kevin Keegan as manager of Newcastle United. While the Manchester United gaffer is quick to heap praise on Keegan’s success at St James’ Park the first time around, he appears somewhat sceptical that his opposite number on Tyneside can work his magic once again.
He said: “Sometimes it is wrong to go back to a club for a second spell. There are examples of managers doing it and having relative success, but no outstanding success, so I will be interested to see how Kevin copes with it.
“I welcome any new challenge, but of course Kevin has a big challenge for himself up there to get Newcastle back in a strong position.
“But I suppose from the minute that Harry Redknapp turned it down, it wasn’t a surprise that they went for Kevin. I heard on the grapevine soon after Harry said no, so I wasn’t surprised.
“I think Kevin probably looks at Newcastle as his club. He played and managed there during their best periods of the last 25 years, certainly their best period since I came down to England in 1986.”
Fergie clearly doesn’t bear any grudges towards Keegan after the latter’s infamous outburst during the 1995-6 season. Perhaps it’s because Newcastle have regressed badly in the past ten seasons compared to the champions, who have gone from strength to strength. They’re hardly a threat now are they!