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Managers chief claims Keegan could return to Magpies

11/10/2008

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers Association (LMA), says Kevin Keegan could be persuaded to return to Newcastle United.

However, Bevan says that any potential return would have to be after the club has been sold and within a different management structure.

Keegan left last month as he felt undermined by owner Mike Ashley and director of football Dennis Wise.

The 57-year-old did not agree with some of the transfers made by the club towards the end of the summer transfer window and walked out of the club under a contract dispute.

That prompted an angry demonstration by supporters demanding that Ashley and Wise leave and the owner is now looking for someone to buy the club.

Bevan says he has since been contacted by a number of people with different interests in the club, from supporters' groups to potential investors, about whether Keegan would consider a return to the Magpies.

Despite the clamour for Keegan to go back to the club for a third time as manager Bevan insists the former England boss will not rush his decision.

Bevan told the Sun: "Numerous people, including a group of Newcastle supporters, have contacted Kevin and myself saying, 'Would he be interested in coming back?'

"Kevin didn't want to leave. He has a great passion for the club. But the structure has to be right.

"He doesn't want to go through that again. Kevin can't make any decision until the club has been sold."

Joe Kinnear is currently in charge of the side, although his contract is only expected to last until the club is sold, paving the way for a potential return for Keegan.