SKY TV continue to show the "I'd love it" video from Elland Road back in 1996, and are just as guilty, setting the guy up for "the fall".No signings in the January transfer window and you cannot help but feel we are seeing the same "it's not like brochure" quote we heard when he first took over under John Hall 15 years ago.
The guy needs a break. He yearns for that first win to put the smile back on his face, and glint in his eye.
But the fixture list is not kind. Big Sam felt the benefit earlier in the campaign when he did not face any of the Top Four until late in the year, and now Keegan is suffering for it.
That first win could transform the fortunes of the club, and 'finger's crossed' let's pray it comes sooner rather than later.
Villa away and Man Utd at St James' Park are tough - sure - but imagine the celebrations if we lifted the gloom with not only victory over the man who knocked back a 5-year £8m offer from Newcastle (Martin O'Neill) but a win against Alex Ferguson.
The Toon would indeed have lift off!
Saturday 09th February 2008
Aston Villa v Newcastle 12.45
Saturday 23rd February 2008
Newcastle v Man Utd 17.15
Saturday 01st March 2008
Newcastle v Blackburn 15.00
Saturday 08th March 2008
Liverpool v Newcastle 15.00
Monday 17th March 2008
Birmingham v Newcastle 20.00