The writing was on the wall earlier this week, when reports first emerged that Kevin Keegan had quit as Newcastle United manager. While the club eventually released a statement to confirm that King Kev was still in charge, this was all for nothing after the Magpies gaffer walked away from St James’ Park for the second time.

The Press Association report that the club didn’t appear to give Keegan a choice in the matter, unless the former England manager was prepared to accept that his role was essentially picking the team and not having a say in who the club bought and sold. Has he done the honourable thing?

“It’s my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want,” Keegan said in statement released on his behalf by the League Manager’s Association.

“It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly the supporters.

“I have been left with no choice other than to leave.”

Newcastle fans, how are you feeling today? Angry that Mike Ashley has brought Keegan back to the club to gain popularity with the fans, but not allowing the manager to shape his own squad? What next for the Tyneside club - who should be brought in as replacement? Presumably the appointment of Dennis Wise would be met with howls of derision?