Keegan Picked Hughton - Not Mort!

Last updated : 29 February 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

The London based press claim Keegan had nothing to do with Hughton's arrival, just as he knew nothing about the appointment of Dennis Wise (something else The Journal want to put right).

The Journal: Keegan and the Newcastle hierarchy are fuming at reports Hughton's arrival at St James's Park was done without the prior knowledge of the manager.

Reports on Thursday even went so far as to claim Keegan was on the verge of quitting the club because he was so upset at the decision to bring in Hughton as his number two.

However, The Journal has been told that, rather than resent Hughton's arrival, it was actually Keegan's decision to approach the former Republic of Ireland defender to see if he was interested in coming to St James's Park as a coach.

Keegan has not worked with the former Spurs assistant manager before, but he was aware of his excellent reputation as a coach and knew he was highly-rated by former Tottenham manager Martin Jol, as well as the man he replaced as England manager, Glenn Hoddle, from their time together at White Hart Lane.

The Journal understands that Keegan approached the board about the possibility of bringing in a new assistant manager following the departure of Nigel Pearson this month.

As for Wise joining the backroom team ...

Keegan said last month: "I see it as a positive thing and I approve of it.

"I would be wrong to suggest anything other than I knew about what was going to happen. That was in place before I came to the club.

"It would have happened no matter who took this job. There's been no deception or anything, it's been very open. I'm fine. I'm all for the changes. It's not a problem."

Mind you ... we STILL believe KK knew nothing about Wise ... despite what the Journal (or anyone else) says.