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Mort: Keegan talks "productive and constructive"

10/05/2008

Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort says talks between owner Mike Ashley and manager Kevin Keegan were "productive and constructive".

Keegan was summoned to London to meet with Ashley about his post-match comments following a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea and his side's capabilities compared to the top four teams in the Premier League.

Ashley was reportedly unimpressed when Keegan claimed Newcastle were "a million miles away" from being able to compete with the top four.

However, the pair appear to have cleared the air and have reached agreement on a target for the team to finish in the league next year.

Also at the meeting, along with Mort, were deputy chairman Derek Llambias, executive director of football Dennis Wise and vice-president of player recruitment Tony Jimenez.

Mort said: "It was a good meeting. It was both productive and constructive."

Keegan said some of his comments after the Chelsea game had been taken the wrong way but insisted he would continue to keep the fans informed of what is going on at the club.

He added: "I am not scared of saying what I think the situation is, and I won't change that."

Keegan claimed the highest Newcastle could realistically finish next season was fifth and that would be his aim.

"That's our main target next year and that's a very good target to set ourselves from where we are at the moment," said the Magpies boss.

Newcastle are currently 12th on 43 points, ten points off the relegation zone and 19 points adrift of Everton – who occupy the fifth place that Keegan covets next season.