Keegan attempts to complete his survival mission, just as he did back in 1992, knowing the glory is well worth the pain.
The 57-year-old has had to try to drag the club out of trouble in the glare of the media spotlight as the euphoria over his return to Tyneside gave way to criticism of both his methods and his players.
Keegan: "If you have ever been around Newcastle - and I have been around here twice before - it is just the way it is. It is not going to go away.
"The good news is when you turn it around and you do really well, you get the same sort of swing and ferocity the other way.
"The reality is that we find ourselves in a position where, with our resources, we should not be. But fortunately for me and for the fans, we have got the players to solve these problems."