The view from the dug-out: Keegan pledges to win back fans

Aug 24 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

KEVIN KEEGAN last night pledged to bring stayaway fans back to St James’s Park.

But the Newcastle boss will make it clear at a midweek summit with owner Mike Ashley that he needs new signings to make good on that promise.

Newcastle saw off Bolton in front of their smallest league crowd since Gallowgate was extended at the turn of the century.

The offer of a free pint to early-arriving fans and the return of cash turnstiles could not disguise a significant shortfall in season-ticket sales on Tyneside.

And while Keegan is convinced his side – fourth in the Premier League after a solid start to the season – can tempt disaffected supporters to return, yesterday’s game emphasised the importance of him getting his way at Wednesday’s boardroom summit.

A new contract for Michael Owen was already top of the agenda, but transfers are an equal priority after injuries to Obafemi Martins and Damien Duff.

“Why were there 5,000 empty seats? I don’t have the answer,” said Keegan.

“But the fact that we have started off with four points from two games will help, as will the quality of the players we have signed.

“All I know is that it’s my job is to pick a team to win games, but it’s a time of year when a lot of people are on holiday, a lot of other people might not have received their tickets and you must not underestimate how hard times are for people now.”

But there is no doubting the need for Keegan to be supported in his wish to tie up Owen’s future and bring in three more new faces before the close of the transfer window.

Asked if Owen’s winning cameo had strengthened his bargaining position with the board, Keegan said: “You’ll have to ask them, but I would have thought it’s done it no harm.

“We’ve got to get an agreement and that’s got to be right for both parties.

“Michael wants to stay – he likes it here – and I think we are very close. But I will know more on Wednesday.”