Following a brief reunion with his favourite club Newcastle United, Kevin Keegan has announced that he has left the club after just eight months in charge.

There had been a period of confusion prior to the announcement after strong rumours had surfaced two days beforehand that Keegan had been sacked. This was later denied by the club, but it was clear immediately that relationships had deteriorated as the 57 year old crowd favourite failed to take training the next day.

Eventually after detailed talks between the club, Keegan’s representatives and the League Managers Association Keegan released a statement on 4 September. He said “I've been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible…It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want”.

Following the announcement, a small group of Newcastle United supporters gathered outside the club to protest. Such is the feeling of resentment towards the club’s owner Mike Ashley that a boycott is expected for the next home game against Hull City next weekend.

Keegan’s last game in chance was the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. At match that led to Keegan being publicly criticised for involving Joey Barton after he was recently released from prison.