Kevin Keegan now compares Mike Ashley-era Newcastle to present day

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Kevin Keegan was back in the North East yesterday as the former Newcastle United boss was at South Shields FC for a talk-in with Peter Reid.

A man who should require little introduction to Newcastle fans, Kevin Keegan, had two spells as manager at St James Park.

The first spell was by far the more favourable, leading Newcastle to within touching distance of Premier League glory after dragging the club up from Division Two while becoming everybody’s second team with exciting attacking football. It was the era where Newcastle were dubbed The Entertainers.

Keegan had multiple run-ins with Mike Ashley at Newcastle

Keegan’s second spell was an ill-fated attempt by Mike Ashley to win over the Newcastle fans after the unpopular appointment of Sam Allardyce. Keegan’s rein lasted just nine months as Mike Ashley undermined Keegan at every opportunity forcing the former England manager to walk away. He later sued the club for constructive dismissal.

Suffice it to say then, that Keegan isn’t the biggest fan of Mike Ashley and 15 years later, it doesn’t sound like his feelings have changed as he took a couple of swipes at his former employer in an interview before the South Shields talk-in.

When asked if it filled him with pride seeing Newcastle back where they belong, Keegan told the South Shields FC YouTube channel: “Pride and hope. It think that’s the thing. That’s what they didn’t have under Mr Ashley. They didn’t have any hope and they couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. Now there’s a big tunnel there and there’s plenty of light in it.

Keegan has always understood the Newcastle fans

“It’s not going to be easy, certainly I wouldn’t say that because I know how tough it is. But they tick all the boxes you need to tick to be one of the big clubs: massive attendance, it’s a daunting place to go, St James’ Park. They’ve also got people now running the club who have appointed the right people and they’ve got money. You put all those things together and you think the only way is up.”

Keegan has always understood Newcastle fans and their connection to the club, and you can tell that what Mike Ashley did. albeit a personal thing for Keegan, also doesn’t sit well with him because of what it did to the fans.

Thankfully Mike Ashley’s era is now just a distant memory, or at least it will be when the one last hangover from his rein, the deal with Castore, comes to an end at the end of the season.