The situation remains unclear at St James’ Park, where Mike Ashley and Kevin Keegan have clearly been embroiled in some heavy-duty discussions. Only the pair and the fly on the wall are aware of the latest state-of-play, and whether the Newcastle manager has any mileage left on Tyneside. However, one of his opposite numbers thinks that if King Kev isn’t getting the respect he deserves, there is no point in sticking around. Surely that happened when Dennis Wise came in?

The Daily Mail report that Harry Redknapp has weighed in with a few choice comments regarding the situation at St James’ Park. It was very nearly the Portsmouth manager who found himself in charge of the Magpies, one can only wonder as to how that would have turned out!

‘Only Kevin would know if he’s been undermined,’ said Redknapp. ‘From an outsider’s point of view we don’t know what’s happened.

‘But Kevin knows. He’s a proud man and if he feels he’s been undermined then he must make a decision over his future.

‘Pride’s at stake and if he feels he’s not been treated with the respect he deserves then he’ll have to walk.

‘Only Kevin knows if players have been sold without his knowledge but it has happened to a few clubs recently.

‘Hopefully there’s a way of getting everything back on track but I wouldn’t bet on it now.’

Surely there will be another announcement in the next few days. After all, if Keegan stays, everyone will want to know what’s gone down in the last week. And if he quits, there are sure to be plenty of comments from both sides regarding how the situation became untenable. Should King Kev just walk away with his pride intact or do you really think Ashley will give him improved terms?