Keegan seeks assurances over future

Mar 23 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

KEVIN KEEGAN has sought – and been given – fresh assurances over his future as Newcastle manager.

The Sunday Sun has learned that Keegan asked for talks with United’s top brass amid speculation over his position.

Newcastle’s eight-game search for their first win since his return had fuelled rumours that Magpies owner Mike Ashley was considering curtailing Keegan’s second stint in charge.

Keegan has also had to fend off talk that he is uncomfortable with the appointments of Dennis Wise as United’s new director of football and Chris Hughton as first-team coach.

And Keegan’s request to meet the club’s hierarchy also came amid speculation in Spain that Newcastle have sounded out Racing Santander coach Marcelino about succeeding him in the St James’s Park hotseat.

But United chairman Chris Mort has reassured Keegan, who was last night celebrating his first victory since returning to the club, that he retains his and Ashley’s full support.

Meanwhile, Keegan last night insisted he has been “very impressed” with Wise and fiercely defended the former Chelsea midfielder’s failure to attend Newcastle first-team games.