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Portsmouth have completed the signing of France midfielder Lassana Diarra from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.
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The 22-year-old only joined the Gunners from Chelsea last summer but has been frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities at the Emirates Stadium.
Diarra will join his new team-mates for training tomorrow and could make his debut in Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at home to Derby.
Paris-born Diarra began his career with Le Havre before moving to Chelsea in 2005.
He was named the club's young player of the year after his first season but made just 31 appearances in two years and agreed to a £2million move to Arsenal.
Redknapp believes he has pulled off a coup in landing the player.
He told the club's website: 'He's a fantastic midfield player.
'In my opinion he's already one of the best midfield players in the Premier League and has the ability to be one of the best there is.
'He's strong, powerful, quick and can pass the ball. You don't play for France for the last nine or 10 games unless you're top quality.
'I'm delighted he has decided to sign for us rather than a host of other clubs. It's great news for Portsmouth Football Club.'
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 17 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2551
Blues close in on £5m McFadden
Birmingham have moved closer to signing Everton striker James McFadden after agreeing a fee - believed to be around £5 million - for the player.
Blues had two previous bids of £2.5million and £3million rejected for the Scotland international.
But the deal now looks set to go through subject to the player agreeing personal terms with the club and passing a medical.
It will reunite McFadden with Birmingham boss Alex McLeish, who worked with the player when in charge of Scotland.
McLeish said: 'I don't like talking about deals before they have been completed and we are still awaiting the player to discuss personal terms and also to pass a medical.'
The arrival of McFadden will be the second addition to the squad in 24 hours as yesterday McLeish agreed a £1.5million deal for Hibernian full-back David Murphy with the player just having to pass a medical before completing his move.
McLeish has also been given permission by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill to hold discussions with central defender Gary Cahill.
Cahill, who has just returned from a loan spell with Sheffield United, has slipped down the Villa pecking order behind Martin Laursen, Curtis Davies and Zat Knight.
McLeish is desperate to strengthen the heart of his defence and Cahill could be reunited with former Villa player, Liam Ridgewell, who moved across the city in a £2million move last summer.
McLeish also confirmed his interest in taking Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate on loan from Qatar side Al Sadd.
Blues had two previous bids of £2.5million and £3million rejected for the Scotland international.
But the deal now looks set to go through subject to the player agreeing personal terms with the club and passing a medical.
It will reunite McFadden with Birmingham boss Alex McLeish, who worked with the player when in charge of Scotland.
McLeish said: 'I don't like talking about deals before they have been completed and we are still awaiting the player to discuss personal terms and also to pass a medical.'
The arrival of McFadden will be the second addition to the squad in 24 hours as yesterday McLeish agreed a £1.5million deal for Hibernian full-back David Murphy with the player just having to pass a medical before completing his move.
McLeish has also been given permission by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill to hold discussions with central defender Gary Cahill.
Cahill, who has just returned from a loan spell with Sheffield United, has slipped down the Villa pecking order behind Martin Laursen, Curtis Davies and Zat Knight.
McLeish is desperate to strengthen the heart of his defence and Cahill could be reunited with former Villa player, Liam Ridgewell, who moved across the city in a £2million move last summer.
McLeish also confirmed his interest in taking Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate on loan from Qatar side Al Sadd.
Capello remains calm over tax fraud probe
England manager Fabio Capello has offered the Football Association the greatest assurance possible he will come through an in-depth tax investigation by the Italian authorities with his reputation unscathed.
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Payments made to the England coach during his time at Juventus between 2004 and 2006 are being analysed as part of a wide-ranging investigation into the finances of major figures in Italy.
Confirmation of the investigation sparked immediate fears of Capello, who has yet to complete a fortnight as Steve McClaren's successor, being dragged into a major scandal, causing huge embarrassment for the FA.
Instead, Soho Square officials are relaxed about the matter, accepting at face value comments from the 61-year-old that he has nothing to fear.
'With my advisors, I have always endeavoured to conduct my financial business with integrity,' said Capello.
'I have assured the Football Association today that my finances are in order and that I am not aware of any matters which would be of concern.
'I understand that these inquiries in Italy are part of a wider investigation into the finances of many high-profile individuals.'
Senior sources within the Capello camp have pledged to do everything they can to make the investigators' job easier.
They have also pointed out that while Capello spends a lot of his time in Switzerland, he has at no stage been resident in the country for tax purposes.
Given the Capello family have known about the investigation for a while now, there seems no likelihood of his focus being deflected away from his first game in charge, against Switzerland on February 6.
Having negotiated a satisfying World Cup qualifying campaign in Zagreb on Monday, Capello is now finalising arrangements for two friendlies in May - one of which will be at Wembley, possibly against Scotland - as well as potential opponents for a game on August 20.
That will be the final outing England will have before they tackle Andorra and major Group Six rivals Croatia at the start of their bid to reach the 2010 finals in South Africa.
Capello is also taking the opportunity to watch as many potential selection choices as possible ahead of his first squad announcement, which will almost certainly be made at the start of next month.
The FA have confirmed England will wear black armbands during the Switzerland encounter, which takes place exactly 50 years after the Munich air crash.
Pictures of the eight Manchester United players killed will also be portrayed on the big screens at Wembley, although there are no plans to hold a minute's silence even though there were four England internationals among the victims, including Duncan Edwards - at the time the youngest player to represent the Three Lions and widely regarded as one of the finest players to have ever done so.
However, the FA are angrily denying suggestions the move was due to fears England fans would fail to observe the silence.
'The FA has been liaising closely with Manchester United over the appropriate arrangements to mark the Munich anniversary at Wembley on February 6,' added the spokesman.
'It has been agreed that images of the Busby Babes will be shown on the large screens before the game and the England players will wear black armbands during the match.
'Both the FA and the club are happy with the mark of respect we are showing and feel it is appropriate.'
And, in a further development on the Munich issue, the FA have confirmed they will not ask United to postpone the derby clash against Manchester City on February 10 - which will provide the centre-piece of the Red Devils tribute - if their FA Cup fourth round tie against Tottenham requires a replay.
The official replay dates are February 6 and 11 but it would be impossible to hold such a fixture on either as both United and Tottenham players will be required for international duty for the first, while Spurs have a UEFA Cup tie against Slavia Prague on February 14.
It leaves the FA with little alternative other than to sanction a weekend replay but rather than disrupt United's plans for the Munich commemoration, it is envisaged if a second game at White Hart Lane is needed, it would take place on February 17, the weekend set aside for the fifth round.
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Payments made to the England coach during his time at Juventus between 2004 and 2006 are being analysed as part of a wide-ranging investigation into the finances of major figures in Italy.
Confirmation of the investigation sparked immediate fears of Capello, who has yet to complete a fortnight as Steve McClaren's successor, being dragged into a major scandal, causing huge embarrassment for the FA.
Instead, Soho Square officials are relaxed about the matter, accepting at face value comments from the 61-year-old that he has nothing to fear.
'With my advisors, I have always endeavoured to conduct my financial business with integrity,' said Capello.
'I have assured the Football Association today that my finances are in order and that I am not aware of any matters which would be of concern.
'I understand that these inquiries in Italy are part of a wider investigation into the finances of many high-profile individuals.'
Senior sources within the Capello camp have pledged to do everything they can to make the investigators' job easier.
They have also pointed out that while Capello spends a lot of his time in Switzerland, he has at no stage been resident in the country for tax purposes.
Given the Capello family have known about the investigation for a while now, there seems no likelihood of his focus being deflected away from his first game in charge, against Switzerland on February 6.
Having negotiated a satisfying World Cup qualifying campaign in Zagreb on Monday, Capello is now finalising arrangements for two friendlies in May - one of which will be at Wembley, possibly against Scotland - as well as potential opponents for a game on August 20.
That will be the final outing England will have before they tackle Andorra and major Group Six rivals Croatia at the start of their bid to reach the 2010 finals in South Africa.
Capello is also taking the opportunity to watch as many potential selection choices as possible ahead of his first squad announcement, which will almost certainly be made at the start of next month.
The FA have confirmed England will wear black armbands during the Switzerland encounter, which takes place exactly 50 years after the Munich air crash.
Pictures of the eight Manchester United players killed will also be portrayed on the big screens at Wembley, although there are no plans to hold a minute's silence even though there were four England internationals among the victims, including Duncan Edwards - at the time the youngest player to represent the Three Lions and widely regarded as one of the finest players to have ever done so.
However, the FA are angrily denying suggestions the move was due to fears England fans would fail to observe the silence.
'The FA has been liaising closely with Manchester United over the appropriate arrangements to mark the Munich anniversary at Wembley on February 6,' added the spokesman.
'It has been agreed that images of the Busby Babes will be shown on the large screens before the game and the England players will wear black armbands during the match.
'Both the FA and the club are happy with the mark of respect we are showing and feel it is appropriate.'
And, in a further development on the Munich issue, the FA have confirmed they will not ask United to postpone the derby clash against Manchester City on February 10 - which will provide the centre-piece of the Red Devils tribute - if their FA Cup fourth round tie against Tottenham requires a replay.
The official replay dates are February 6 and 11 but it would be impossible to hold such a fixture on either as both United and Tottenham players will be required for international duty for the first, while Spurs have a UEFA Cup tie against Slavia Prague on February 14.
It leaves the FA with little alternative other than to sanction a weekend replay but rather than disrupt United's plans for the Munich commemoration, it is envisaged if a second game at White Hart Lane is needed, it would take place on February 17, the weekend set aside for the fifth round.
Bolton snap up Pompey midfielder Taylor
@import url(http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/insertfiles/css/sportstory2005_poster.css);
Updated: Jan. 17, 2008
Bolton snap up Pompey midfielder Taylor
Bolton have signed Matt Taylor from Portsmouth on a three-and-a-half year deal.
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The 26-year-old has been out of favour on the south coast so far this season and had been expected to leave Fratton Park at some point this month.
Wanderers have not disclosed the fee they have paid for the transfer, which follows the arrivals of Tamir Cohen and Gretar Steinsson.
Bolton boss Gary Megson told the club's website: 'Matt is a quality player who is very versatile on the left-hand side. He is a proven Premier League performer who will bring additional quality to our squad.
'He has attracted interest from a number of clubs and I am delighted that we have managed to bring him to the Reebok Stadium.'
Updated: Jan. 17, 2008
Bolton snap up Pompey midfielder Taylor
Bolton have signed Matt Taylor from Portsmouth on a three-and-a-half year deal.
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The 26-year-old has been out of favour on the south coast so far this season and had been expected to leave Fratton Park at some point this month.
Wanderers have not disclosed the fee they have paid for the transfer, which follows the arrivals of Tamir Cohen and Gretar Steinsson.
Bolton boss Gary Megson told the club's website: 'Matt is a quality player who is very versatile on the left-hand side. He is a proven Premier League performer who will bring additional quality to our squad.
'He has attracted interest from a number of clubs and I am delighted that we have managed to bring him to the Reebok Stadium.'
In-form Laursen agrees to stay at Villa
Aston Villa central defender Martin Laursen has ended doubts over his future and agreed a new two-and-a-half-year contract with the midlands club.
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The Denmark international will formally put pen to paper tomorrow on a deal which will keep him at Villa Park until the end of the 2009-2010 season.
Thirty-year-old Laursen was out of contract in the summer but has consistently stated that he was happy to remain at Villa.
He moved from AC Milan for £3million in 2004 and his first three years at Villa were dogged by knee problems.
But during the current campaign Laursen has been an ever-present and also weighed in with six Barclays Premier League goals.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill said: 'Everyone at Aston Villa is absolutely delighted that Martin is staying on for another two and a half years.
'He has become a firm favourite with the fans and I would think they are as pleased as we are that he is staying.
'Martin has been playing some wonderful football and he deserves everything he gets.
'He has shown great determination and the way he has overcome a serious injury is a lesson to everyone.
'He has removed the doubts over his fitness by playing regularly this season. I am delighted, and so is everyone at the club, that he is staying.'
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The Denmark international will formally put pen to paper tomorrow on a deal which will keep him at Villa Park until the end of the 2009-2010 season.
Thirty-year-old Laursen was out of contract in the summer but has consistently stated that he was happy to remain at Villa.
He moved from AC Milan for £3million in 2004 and his first three years at Villa were dogged by knee problems.
But during the current campaign Laursen has been an ever-present and also weighed in with six Barclays Premier League goals.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill said: 'Everyone at Aston Villa is absolutely delighted that Martin is staying on for another two and a half years.
'He has become a firm favourite with the fans and I would think they are as pleased as we are that he is staying.
'Martin has been playing some wonderful football and he deserves everything he gets.
'He has shown great determination and the way he has overcome a serious injury is a lesson to everyone.
'He has removed the doubts over his fitness by playing regularly this season. I am delighted, and so is everyone at the club, that he is staying.'
Fred end England links and stays with Lyon
Reputed Tottenham target Fred has ended speculation about his future by announcing he will be staying with Lyon until the end of the season.
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The Brazil international has been linked with a number of clubs, notably Paris St Germain and Spurs, since stating his desire to leave Les Gones after losing his place in the first team.
But with Premier League club's interest cooling and PSG pulling out of the running to sign him today, the 24-year-old has decided to stay put.
'I haven't received any good offers,' he said.
'From now on, I am no longer talking about a transfer, I am 100% a Lyon player.'
PSG were the only club to confirm they had put a bid in for Fred, who Lyon were willing to sell for a reported fee of 12million euros (£9m).
But his and Lyon's delay in replying to the bid, combined with the player's perceived lack of motivation to move to PSG, made them pull the plug on a potential deal.
Fred's brother and agent, Rodrigo, also claimed Spurs had come forward with an offer.
But with the London club already having four top-class strikers on their books - although Jermain Defoe is reported to be discussing a transfer with Aston Villa - it was always unlikely they would make a move for the Brazilian.
Fred now intends to give his all for Lyon, at least until the summer.
'PSG and Tottenham were interested but their offers did not interest me,' he said after training at the club's complex at Tola-Vologe.
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The Brazil international has been linked with a number of clubs, notably Paris St Germain and Spurs, since stating his desire to leave Les Gones after losing his place in the first team.
But with Premier League club's interest cooling and PSG pulling out of the running to sign him today, the 24-year-old has decided to stay put.
'I haven't received any good offers,' he said.
'From now on, I am no longer talking about a transfer, I am 100% a Lyon player.'
PSG were the only club to confirm they had put a bid in for Fred, who Lyon were willing to sell for a reported fee of 12million euros (£9m).
But his and Lyon's delay in replying to the bid, combined with the player's perceived lack of motivation to move to PSG, made them pull the plug on a potential deal.
Fred's brother and agent, Rodrigo, also claimed Spurs had come forward with an offer.
But with the London club already having four top-class strikers on their books - although Jermain Defoe is reported to be discussing a transfer with Aston Villa - it was always unlikely they would make a move for the Brazilian.
Fred now intends to give his all for Lyon, at least until the summer.
'PSG and Tottenham were interested but their offers did not interest me,' he said after training at the club's complex at Tola-Vologe.
Bayern laugh off Podolski City transfer talk
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinze Rummenigge has denied Lukas Podolski is on his way to Manchester City.
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The striker has failed to shine at the Allianz Arena since moving from Cologne after the 2006 World Cup, netting just four times in the Bundesliga.
The 22-year-old, whose contract runs until 2010, has been in and out of the Bayern side since his arrival and is thought to be growing increasingly unhappy over his lack of first-team football.
Rummenigge confirmed Podolski has attracted the interest of City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, but insisted the frontman would be going nowhere in the transfer window.
'It is normal that some clubs are interested in our player,' he told setantasports.com.
'We are speaking about a Germany international. We have received an offer for Lukas but he will be there for the second half of the Bundesliga season.
'Our next manager Jurgen Klinsmann has communicated to us a list of the players that are going to be part of his project, and Podolski's name is included.
'Podolski has been under-rated - he is worth much more money. Manchester City are one of the clubs interested but for us this file is closed.'
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The striker has failed to shine at the Allianz Arena since moving from Cologne after the 2006 World Cup, netting just four times in the Bundesliga.
The 22-year-old, whose contract runs until 2010, has been in and out of the Bayern side since his arrival and is thought to be growing increasingly unhappy over his lack of first-team football.
Rummenigge confirmed Podolski has attracted the interest of City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, but insisted the frontman would be going nowhere in the transfer window.
'It is normal that some clubs are interested in our player,' he told setantasports.com.
'We are speaking about a Germany international. We have received an offer for Lukas but he will be there for the second half of the Bundesliga season.
'Our next manager Jurgen Klinsmann has communicated to us a list of the players that are going to be part of his project, and Podolski's name is included.
'Podolski has been under-rated - he is worth much more money. Manchester City are one of the clubs interested but for us this file is closed.'
Capello pledges co-operation in tax probe
England coach Fabio Capello has promised the Italian authorities his full co-operation during their tax investigation.
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The Football Association have been quick to confirm they are taking Capello's assurances of no wrongdoing at face value.
Soho Square officials certainly do not expect the investigation to have any effect on Capello's focus ahead of his opening game in charge, against Switzerland on February 6.
And Capello is fairly laid back about the situation too, even if the process is likely to prove long-winded.
Close associates have vowed to work with the authorities and Capello is convinced their conclusions will unearth nothing of major significance.
'With my advisors, I have always endeavoured to conduct my financial business with integrity,' said Capello.
'I have assured the Football Association today that my finances are in order and that I am not aware of any matters which would be of concern.
'I understand that these inquiries in Italy are part of a wider investigation into the finances of many high-profile individuals.'
Although Capello spends a lot of time in Switzerland, it has been stressed that at no stage has he been resident in the country for tax purposes.
Nevertheless, someone who has been so highly paid for such a long time is bound to have his wealth spread about, so it could be months before a definitive conclusion is reached.
It is believed Capello already knew about the investigation into payments made to the England coach during his time at Juventus between 2004 and 2006.
However, public confirmation of the work, which is part of a wide-ranging investigation into the finances of major figures in Italy, sparked immediate fears of Capello, who has yet to complete a fortnight as Steve McClaren's successor, being dragged into a major scandal, causing huge embarrassment for the FA.
This now appears not to be the case, so, having negotiated a satisfying World Cup qualifying campaign in Zagreb on Monday, Capello is now finalising arrangements for two friendlies in May - one of which will be at Wembley, possibly against Scotland - as well as potential opponents for a game on August 20, the final outing England will have before they tackle Andorra and major Group Six rivals Croatia at the start of their bid to reach the 2010 Finals in South Africa.
Capello is also taking the opportunity to watch as many players as possible ahead of his first squad announcement, which will almost certainly be made at the start of next month.
The FA have confirmed England will wear black armbands during the Switzerland encounter, which takes place exactly 50 years after the Munich air crash.
Pictures of the eight Manchester United players killed will also be shown on the big screens at Wembley, although there are no plans to hold a minute's silence even though there were four England internationals among the victims - including Duncan Edwards, at the time the youngest player to represent the Three Lions and widely regarded as one of the finest players to have ever done so.
However, the FA are angrily denying suggestions that the move was due to fears that England fans would fail to observe the silence.
'The FA has been liaising closely with Manchester United over the appropriate arrangements to mark the Munich anniversary at Wembley on February 6,' added the spokesman.
'It has been agreed that images of the Busby Babes will be shown on the large screens before the game and the England players will wear black armbands during the match.
'Both the FA and the club are happy with the mark of respect we are showing and feel it is appropriate.'
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The Football Association have been quick to confirm they are taking Capello's assurances of no wrongdoing at face value.
Soho Square officials certainly do not expect the investigation to have any effect on Capello's focus ahead of his opening game in charge, against Switzerland on February 6.
And Capello is fairly laid back about the situation too, even if the process is likely to prove long-winded.
Close associates have vowed to work with the authorities and Capello is convinced their conclusions will unearth nothing of major significance.
'With my advisors, I have always endeavoured to conduct my financial business with integrity,' said Capello.
'I have assured the Football Association today that my finances are in order and that I am not aware of any matters which would be of concern.
'I understand that these inquiries in Italy are part of a wider investigation into the finances of many high-profile individuals.'
Although Capello spends a lot of time in Switzerland, it has been stressed that at no stage has he been resident in the country for tax purposes.
Nevertheless, someone who has been so highly paid for such a long time is bound to have his wealth spread about, so it could be months before a definitive conclusion is reached.
It is believed Capello already knew about the investigation into payments made to the England coach during his time at Juventus between 2004 and 2006.
However, public confirmation of the work, which is part of a wide-ranging investigation into the finances of major figures in Italy, sparked immediate fears of Capello, who has yet to complete a fortnight as Steve McClaren's successor, being dragged into a major scandal, causing huge embarrassment for the FA.
This now appears not to be the case, so, having negotiated a satisfying World Cup qualifying campaign in Zagreb on Monday, Capello is now finalising arrangements for two friendlies in May - one of which will be at Wembley, possibly against Scotland - as well as potential opponents for a game on August 20, the final outing England will have before they tackle Andorra and major Group Six rivals Croatia at the start of their bid to reach the 2010 Finals in South Africa.
Capello is also taking the opportunity to watch as many players as possible ahead of his first squad announcement, which will almost certainly be made at the start of next month.
The FA have confirmed England will wear black armbands during the Switzerland encounter, which takes place exactly 50 years after the Munich air crash.
Pictures of the eight Manchester United players killed will also be shown on the big screens at Wembley, although there are no plans to hold a minute's silence even though there were four England internationals among the victims - including Duncan Edwards, at the time the youngest player to represent the Three Lions and widely regarded as one of the finest players to have ever done so.
However, the FA are angrily denying suggestions that the move was due to fears that England fans would fail to observe the silence.
'The FA has been liaising closely with Manchester United over the appropriate arrangements to mark the Munich anniversary at Wembley on February 6,' added the spokesman.
'It has been agreed that images of the Busby Babes will be shown on the large screens before the game and the England players will wear black armbands during the match.
'Both the FA and the club are happy with the mark of respect we are showing and feel it is appropriate.'
Rovers relieved Toon didn't tempt Hughes
@import url(http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/insertfiles/css/sportstory2005_poster.css);
Updated: Jan. 17, 2008
Rovers relieved Toon didn't tempt Hughes
Blackburn chairman John Williams admits he is relieved that Newcastle have appointed Kevin Keegan as manager - ending speculation linking the Magpies with Mark Hughes.
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Rovers boss Hughes was immediately installed as one of the favourites for the position after Sam Allardyce left St James' Park last week.
Hughes refused to categorically rule himself out of the running for the job, but he always maintained he was happy at Ewood Park.
Williams told the Lancashire Evening Post: 'We're naturally relieved that it's sorted because our manager was continually linked with the post.
'I always felt that he would remain here. He values the continuity that he has and I know he feels we are close to a very good league position at the end of the season.
'We have a strong personal relationship and I never felt that he was likely to go to Newcastle.
'The job's unfinished here and I'm sure that we will continue to make good progress.
'We're having a great season and the future looks good for us.'
Former Wales boss Hughes took charge at Rovers in 2004 in succession to Graeme Souness, who coincidentally left the club for Newcastle.
Updated: Jan. 17, 2008
Rovers relieved Toon didn't tempt Hughes
Blackburn chairman John Williams admits he is relieved that Newcastle have appointed Kevin Keegan as manager - ending speculation linking the Magpies with Mark Hughes.
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Rovers boss Hughes was immediately installed as one of the favourites for the position after Sam Allardyce left St James' Park last week.
Hughes refused to categorically rule himself out of the running for the job, but he always maintained he was happy at Ewood Park.
Williams told the Lancashire Evening Post: 'We're naturally relieved that it's sorted because our manager was continually linked with the post.
'I always felt that he would remain here. He values the continuity that he has and I know he feels we are close to a very good league position at the end of the season.
'We have a strong personal relationship and I never felt that he was likely to go to Newcastle.
'The job's unfinished here and I'm sure that we will continue to make good progress.
'We're having a great season and the future looks good for us.'
Former Wales boss Hughes took charge at Rovers in 2004 in succession to Graeme Souness, who coincidentally left the club for Newcastle.
The second coming
Only in the unhinged world of Newcastle United could a second coming of such seismic proportions occur. The Messiah strolled back through the Gallowgate like he'd never been away, and once again, there was uninhibited rejoicing.
Empics
Newcastle fans rejoice at the return of Kevin Keegan, 11 years since leaving the club.
All it took to galvanise a football club, a city and an entire region were two simple words: Kevin Keegan.
Yes, his name had been doing the rounds, but few people actually believed King Kevin would clamber out of the footballing wilderness to answer an SOS call from a stricken sporting giant.
The 56-year-old went AWOL for nearly three years, cocooned in Glasgow, rarely heard of, seldom mentioned, yet with one announcement he was the name on every football fans lips once more.
It all fits as far as the Geordies are concerned.
Their ailing club is adrift, rudderless. So who better to inject the feel good factor than the little fella who did it last time round?
Even his mere presence at St James' Park managed to inspire a more expansive attacking game in the black-and-whites and resulted in four goals, albeit against Stoke City.
With all due respect to Nigel Pearson (who makes even Glenn Roeder look positively dynamic) those players had already been infected by the fervour that the KK 'circus' inspires not the caretaker boss.
He's already done it twice on Tyneside, first as a player then as a manager.
Keegan first stunned the region when he dropped down to the old Division Two to sign for United in 1982, winning promotion the following year in a side that featured a young Peter Beardsley and an even younger Chris Waddle, before retiring from the game having scored 48 goals in 78 games.
Just over eight years later with the club languishing at the foot of the Second Division Keegan returned to invigorate a flagging club once more, steering them away from relegation then into the Premier League as Champions the next season.
Now he is back once again to do what he does best; inspire. He adds sparkle to even the most average of performers and makes good players great.
Putting incredulity to one side for a moment, this appointment makes perfect sense.
Billionaire Mike Ashley bought Newcastle United to have fun, to be entertained and to be adored by a region desperate to adore. He wanted an experienced manager, someone who plays attractive, inventive football and also someone who could inspire a beleaguered set of fans.
GettyImages
Kevin Keegan and his perm back in 1982
One only hopes he has made his decision with the following assurances from Keegan.
Firstly, that the man is still in touch with the modern day Premier League; that he knows its players, its tactics and grasps what is required to be successful. Secondly, that he knows enough about 2008's transfer market to utilise the remaining few weeks to his advantage in adding to his inherited and underperforming squad.
Thirdly, and crucially, that he is in it for the long haul. Should KK walk out if woe and despair return after the inevitable 'Keegan bounce' the club will be left even further adrift than they are now.
As for Keegan himself he must still have a vibrant strand of self-belief coursing through his veins, well aware as he is that Newcastle United is not for the faint hearted. If he has been keeping one eye on top flight football he surely must be confident of at least breaking into the top six.
Keegan will feel confident he can at least match the likes of Aston Villa and Everton, and should he do it by the end of next season everyone connected to the club can bask in the knowledge his return will have been an unqualified success.
But what of the stuttering squad at his disposal? As ever, Keegan will first look at his attacking options and might find more promise than he'd expected.
He will surely be encouraged by the sight of out and out wingers like Damien Duff and James Milner finding the net against Stoke in Wednesday's FA Cup replay, not to mention the precocious talent of Charles N'Zogbia who will surely flourish further under such an ebullient boss.
Up top Mark Viduka possesses immaculate touch and artistry reminiscent of the aforementioned Beardsley while Alan Smith embraces the spirit and determination demanded by the Toon Army.
Then, of course, there is a certain Michael Owen.
If Keegan can patch up his differences with Owen, who penned a few far from complimentary lines about his new club manager in his autobiography after a poor Euro 2002 tournament, the 27-year-old will discover with glee a side designed to provide him with a glut of scoring opportunities.
Who Keegan elects to employ alongside him in the dugout will also be intriguing.
Obviously, Terry McDermott will be staying, reprising his long running role as 'morale' coach, but times have changed drastically since Keegan let his players devise their own set-piece strategies and believed a positive training session consisted of hours of intricate five-a-side challenges.
The fundamental problem with Newcastle is the same as it was back in 1992, the defence, and Keegan will ignore that at his peril.
GettyImages
Keegan built a Newcastle side around a free-flowing attacking style. Not defending.
Yes, he'll be able to conjure an extra 20 per cent in the final third of the field but if his side leak goals as they have done persistently under Allardyce, Roeder and Souness then he'll need to net at least three times to be in with a chance of even a point in most matches.
Should he surround himself with the pragmatic Pearson and perhaps someone like Chris Coleman, a cultured defender in his time who has just quit as boss at Real Sociedad, Keegan will be demonstrating his capacity to adapt to fit in with today's tactical requirements too.
But like this article, Keegan's wastes little time on defence, for him it is all about the vim and vigour of forward play. He is all about dreams; a pied piper-style figure who not only lets you get carried away by your fanciful aspirations but one who demands those very wishes.
Those outside of Newcastle will laugh at the hysteria created by a club unique for its capacity to bewilder and beguile. But they haven't had to watch the pitiful performances against Wigan, Derby and Portsmouth, to name but a few.
And they're not truly entwined with the rollercoaster that epitomises life as a Newcastle United fan.
So if you choose to taunt those fans cruelly if, or when this huge punt goes pear-shaped, then at least allow them their five minutes of optimism now the Messiah has rekindled their spirit and identity.
Yes it's a romantic appointment, yes it is an almighty gamble, yes it's a soap opera and yes, it is very Newcastle United. But we love it.
Empics
Newcastle fans rejoice at the return of Kevin Keegan, 11 years since leaving the club.
All it took to galvanise a football club, a city and an entire region were two simple words: Kevin Keegan.
Yes, his name had been doing the rounds, but few people actually believed King Kevin would clamber out of the footballing wilderness to answer an SOS call from a stricken sporting giant.
The 56-year-old went AWOL for nearly three years, cocooned in Glasgow, rarely heard of, seldom mentioned, yet with one announcement he was the name on every football fans lips once more.
It all fits as far as the Geordies are concerned.
Their ailing club is adrift, rudderless. So who better to inject the feel good factor than the little fella who did it last time round?
Even his mere presence at St James' Park managed to inspire a more expansive attacking game in the black-and-whites and resulted in four goals, albeit against Stoke City.
With all due respect to Nigel Pearson (who makes even Glenn Roeder look positively dynamic) those players had already been infected by the fervour that the KK 'circus' inspires not the caretaker boss.
He's already done it twice on Tyneside, first as a player then as a manager.
Keegan first stunned the region when he dropped down to the old Division Two to sign for United in 1982, winning promotion the following year in a side that featured a young Peter Beardsley and an even younger Chris Waddle, before retiring from the game having scored 48 goals in 78 games.
Just over eight years later with the club languishing at the foot of the Second Division Keegan returned to invigorate a flagging club once more, steering them away from relegation then into the Premier League as Champions the next season.
Now he is back once again to do what he does best; inspire. He adds sparkle to even the most average of performers and makes good players great.
Putting incredulity to one side for a moment, this appointment makes perfect sense.
Billionaire Mike Ashley bought Newcastle United to have fun, to be entertained and to be adored by a region desperate to adore. He wanted an experienced manager, someone who plays attractive, inventive football and also someone who could inspire a beleaguered set of fans.
GettyImages
Kevin Keegan and his perm back in 1982
One only hopes he has made his decision with the following assurances from Keegan.
Firstly, that the man is still in touch with the modern day Premier League; that he knows its players, its tactics and grasps what is required to be successful. Secondly, that he knows enough about 2008's transfer market to utilise the remaining few weeks to his advantage in adding to his inherited and underperforming squad.
Thirdly, and crucially, that he is in it for the long haul. Should KK walk out if woe and despair return after the inevitable 'Keegan bounce' the club will be left even further adrift than they are now.
As for Keegan himself he must still have a vibrant strand of self-belief coursing through his veins, well aware as he is that Newcastle United is not for the faint hearted. If he has been keeping one eye on top flight football he surely must be confident of at least breaking into the top six.
Keegan will feel confident he can at least match the likes of Aston Villa and Everton, and should he do it by the end of next season everyone connected to the club can bask in the knowledge his return will have been an unqualified success.
But what of the stuttering squad at his disposal? As ever, Keegan will first look at his attacking options and might find more promise than he'd expected.
He will surely be encouraged by the sight of out and out wingers like Damien Duff and James Milner finding the net against Stoke in Wednesday's FA Cup replay, not to mention the precocious talent of Charles N'Zogbia who will surely flourish further under such an ebullient boss.
Up top Mark Viduka possesses immaculate touch and artistry reminiscent of the aforementioned Beardsley while Alan Smith embraces the spirit and determination demanded by the Toon Army.
Then, of course, there is a certain Michael Owen.
If Keegan can patch up his differences with Owen, who penned a few far from complimentary lines about his new club manager in his autobiography after a poor Euro 2002 tournament, the 27-year-old will discover with glee a side designed to provide him with a glut of scoring opportunities.
Who Keegan elects to employ alongside him in the dugout will also be intriguing.
Obviously, Terry McDermott will be staying, reprising his long running role as 'morale' coach, but times have changed drastically since Keegan let his players devise their own set-piece strategies and believed a positive training session consisted of hours of intricate five-a-side challenges.
The fundamental problem with Newcastle is the same as it was back in 1992, the defence, and Keegan will ignore that at his peril.
GettyImages
Keegan built a Newcastle side around a free-flowing attacking style. Not defending.
Yes, he'll be able to conjure an extra 20 per cent in the final third of the field but if his side leak goals as they have done persistently under Allardyce, Roeder and Souness then he'll need to net at least three times to be in with a chance of even a point in most matches.
Should he surround himself with the pragmatic Pearson and perhaps someone like Chris Coleman, a cultured defender in his time who has just quit as boss at Real Sociedad, Keegan will be demonstrating his capacity to adapt to fit in with today's tactical requirements too.
But like this article, Keegan's wastes little time on defence, for him it is all about the vim and vigour of forward play. He is all about dreams; a pied piper-style figure who not only lets you get carried away by your fanciful aspirations but one who demands those very wishes.
Those outside of Newcastle will laugh at the hysteria created by a club unique for its capacity to bewilder and beguile. But they haven't had to watch the pitiful performances against Wigan, Derby and Portsmouth, to name but a few.
And they're not truly entwined with the rollercoaster that epitomises life as a Newcastle United fan.
So if you choose to taunt those fans cruelly if, or when this huge punt goes pear-shaped, then at least allow them their five minutes of optimism now the Messiah has rekindled their spirit and identity.
Yes it's a romantic appointment, yes it is an almighty gamble, yes it's a soap opera and yes, it is very Newcastle United. But we love it.
Keegan wants Geordie folk to 'have dreams'
Kevin Keegan is relishing the challenge of managing Newcastle for a second time and enabling the club's long-suffering fans to 'have dreams' again.
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Keegan, who quit the club 11 years ago, made a stunning return to St James' Park last night when he was announced as Sam Allardyce's successor.
Former England boss Keegan took the Magpies from English football's second tier to the brink of a Premier League title in his first stint in charge.
His return appears to have set Tyneside buzzing with kick-off in last night's FA Cup replay with Stoke put back 15 minutes due to crowd congestion.
Allardyce's reign and style of football proved unpopular but Keegan, out of the game since leaving Manchester City three years ago, says he knows what the fans want and believes he can deliver success.
'I know what they want and I know what they don't want as well,' he told talkSPORT. 'As long as they are realistic and patient I think we can try again to help them have dreams and possibly win something.'
Keegan watched last night as Newcastle overpowered Stoke 4-1 and his first match in charge will be Saturday's home clash with Bolton in the Premier League.
'I am just as excited this time as I was when I came to play here at 31 and when I came as a manager at 43 or 44,' he said.
'I think this is right, I have certainly inherited a strong, talented group of players - which is something I didn't have when I came last time.
'When I came last time we were wondering whether we could fill the stadium. That is not a problem.
'They will be trying to get a stadium big enough if we can put some football on and get some success here.
'The job in hand is a big job, it is a great club.'
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Keegan, who quit the club 11 years ago, made a stunning return to St James' Park last night when he was announced as Sam Allardyce's successor.
Former England boss Keegan took the Magpies from English football's second tier to the brink of a Premier League title in his first stint in charge.
His return appears to have set Tyneside buzzing with kick-off in last night's FA Cup replay with Stoke put back 15 minutes due to crowd congestion.
Allardyce's reign and style of football proved unpopular but Keegan, out of the game since leaving Manchester City three years ago, says he knows what the fans want and believes he can deliver success.
'I know what they want and I know what they don't want as well,' he told talkSPORT. 'As long as they are realistic and patient I think we can try again to help them have dreams and possibly win something.'
Keegan watched last night as Newcastle overpowered Stoke 4-1 and his first match in charge will be Saturday's home clash with Bolton in the Premier League.
'I am just as excited this time as I was when I came to play here at 31 and when I came as a manager at 43 or 44,' he said.
'I think this is right, I have certainly inherited a strong, talented group of players - which is something I didn't have when I came last time.
'When I came last time we were wondering whether we could fill the stadium. That is not a problem.
'They will be trying to get a stadium big enough if we can put some football on and get some success here.
'The job in hand is a big job, it is a great club.'
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