Does Keegan Fear Wise?

Last updated : 07 May 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

A newspaper that, like the News Of The World, has been very anti-Newcastle over the years and I don't think it is any surprise to Toon fans to find them dabbling in 'bollox' ... again.

The Daily Mail: Wise has made it clear that he has no interest in becoming manager, insisting that he is perfectly happy to continue in his role as executive director (football).

But Keegan, according to sources close to him, only sees conspiracy amid the apparent chaos behind the scenes and has convinced himself his days are numbered at St James' Park.

Keegan is renowned for his public outbursts but Monday's thinly-veiled attack on owner Mike Ashley and the club board was something he had been planning for six weeks.

It is understood to date back to the start of the contract negotiations with Michael Owen which, for Keegan, represent another major source of frustration.

When Keegan returned to Newcastle in January, he described Ashley as the perfect owner and someone the club should endeavour to keep.

After last Monday's defeat by Chelsea, Keegan said he had a great relationship with Ashley because he 'never' talks to him.

A particular problem for Keegan concerns player recruitment and other major football decisions.

He thinks Wise and Tony Jimenez, who is the new vice-president with responsibility for player recruitment, are making decisions without even consulting him and do not share his philosophy on players.

While Keegan wants to bring in established internationals like Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright- Phillips, Wise and Jimenez are said to be scouting for so far undiscovered players who will grow in value once they come to the club.

They want to bring in a new striker, when Keegan considers it more prudent to secure Owen on a long-term contract and he is becoming increasingly angered by the club's apparent apathy when it comes to extending the England forward's current deal.

In his programme notes, Owen said he was still waiting for the club to begin talks over a new contract.

It was one of the key reasons why Keegan went on the offensive on Monday, arguing that a lack of financial backing will keep Newcastle in what he now considers the second tier of the Barclays Premier League.