TIMING could never be considered one of Kevin Keegan's strong points.

Throughout his managerial career he has possessed the uncanny knack of leaving when you least expect him to, and a habit of taking everyone by surprise.

He made his way through the exit door at Newcastle on more than one occasion during his rollercoaster spell in charge, before finally bidding a fond farewell in January 1997.

England too suffered from his habit of never outstaying what he sees as his welcome, and after the first game of the qualifying campaign for the 2002 World Cup a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the last game played at Wembley he again decided enough was enough.

Even during his playing days he always had a habit of picking his moments most notably joining Billy Bremner as the first players to be sent off in a Charity Shield game in 1974.

When he left St James Park it was never to return, except for his promised turnout in Peter Beardsley's testimonial.

But he's back a week on Sunday and it couldn't have been planned much better by a scriptwriter.

He finds himself as one half of the plum draw in the FA Cup fifth round with the timing of his return approaching perfection.

Today marks the tenth anniversary of Keegan taking charge at Newcastle and back then he perhaps couldn't have picked a worse moment to take over the Magpies.

In February, 1992 the forever hot St James' Park manager's seat was positively glowing when Keegan took the helm.

Ossie Ardiles' reign had promised much on the pitch but delivered nothing and Newcastle were in real danger of being relegated to the old Third Division.

The effects on the club, which was so heavily in debt, would have been catastrophic.

In real terms Keegan was given 16 games to save Newcastle United FC, and very little in the way of funds to help him.

We all know now he did it, and then proceeded to turn Newcastle into one of the most attractive sides ever to grace the Premiership.

But their failure to actually win the title had a far-reaching effect on the man himself.

They came perilously close and who can forget the 1995/96 season? The 12-point lead, the agonising defeats, 1-0 at home to Manchester United and 4-3 at Anfield.

No-one will forget the 'I'd love it' rant on Sky TV, not least Sir Alex Ferguson.

It showed that Keegan had then lost the battle, and many could envisage the Manchester United manager rubbing his hands with glee.

But that summed up Keegan.

A more emotional manager you would struggle to find, and during some games you could almost see his heart racing at every shot and save.

It had to end suddenly, and it did in January, 1997.

The season started with another transfer coup the £15m signing of Alan Shearer.

But he'd already offered his resignation after finishing just short of the Premiership title, and he repeated the offer shortly before he finally packed up.

The real reason has never been fully explained by the man himself.

Accordingly the blame was pointed at the door of the money men, with Newcastle's flotation due later that year.

In truth, he'd probably just had enough. He lived, breathed and slept Newcastle United.

He was just short of his 41st birthday when he took charge, but had aged considerably by the time he left.

Kenny Dalglish took over and although he took them to second in the Premiership and a Champions League spot, it was on the strength of Keegan's team.

The season after the wilderness years began.

Two 13th places under Dalglish and then Ruud Gullit were followed by two 11th place finishes.

The club has come full circle since Keegan took charge, with Bobby Robson seen as a fitting replacement in the hearts and minds of Newcastle fans.

Robson has at last restored the fans' enjoyment in the game and this season has seen a renaissance.

If he can achieve what Keegan so nearly did and lift the Premiership title 'The Messiah' would surely lead the plaudits. It may be tinged with a hint of jealousy, but no-one would begrudge him that.

But as Keegan revealed after Newcastle were paired with his new charges at Manchester City, in the FA Cup, his footballing love still lies in the North-East.

The fans here still love him and to them his return is well overdue.