KEVIN Keegan heads for talks with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley this morning insisting that he remains 'excited' about his next three years at St James' Park.

Keegan conceded yesterday that he called his press conference a day early after being summoned to London for an 11am meeting with Ashley and Dennis Wise, the club's executive director (football).

The hastily arranged gathering was called after Ashley decided he wanted to hear an explanation from his manager following Keegan's honest assessment that the Magpies face a fruitless task of forcing their way into the top four.

Keegan has no intentions of walking away for a second time from Newcastle, having quit his post in January 1997 after a fall-out with the former regime.

And, provided he is given the backing and encouragement to invest in his the squad during the close-season, the 57-year-old maintains the confidence he can deliver relative success during the remaining term of the contract he signed in January.

"I've got three years, I am looking forward to the next three years - at least - you know I'll only be 60 then," said Keegan, who claimed it was a 'good thing' he was meeting Ashley.

There had been suggestions he was on the brink of leaving after losing the enjoyment with the realisation that Newcastle do not have the financial clout to compete with the Premier League's top four.

"Definitely not," he insisted. "The challenge is there for all of us. It's great, you know, it hasn't taken anything away for me despite reading stuff to the contrary.

3:03am Friday 9th May 2008

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