Keegan launches £9m claim against United

10:00am Wednesday 15th October 2008

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KEVIN KEEGAN has reportedly launched a £9million law suit against Newcastle United after claiming unfair dismissal following his departure from St James’ Park last month.

Keegan is demanding payment in full of the remaining three-and-a-half years of his deal – worth around £9million.

The 57-year-old left Newcastle in acrimonious circumstances after claiming that his authority over transfer dealings had been undermined by managing director Derek Llambias and executive director (football) Dennis Wise.

He claims that his return to the club in January 2008 – billed by Newcastle supporters as ‘the second coming of the messiah’ – was made on the proviso that he would enjoy full control over first team affairs.

However, when his desire to retain the services of winger James Milner was overruled by the club’s hierarchy and the transfer deadline day recruitment Xisco and loan signing Ignacio Gonzalez was made without his consent, Keegan believed that his position had become untenable and left the club.

The precise manner of Keegan’s departure and the conversations that took place between the then Newcastle boss and the club hierarchy will be key to the claim.

Newcastle United have declined to comment and it remains to be seen if they will make a counter claim over breach of contract.

Mike Ashley’s last known contact with Keegan was on September 12 when he attempted to persuade him to make a swift return. But when those talks ended without a ‘satisfactory conclusion’ so did any hope of the affair ending amicably.

In the immediate aftermath of his departure, Keegan issued a statement saying: “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.”

His refusal to return under the current structure eventually led to the interim appointment of Joe Kinnear.

Chief executive of the League Managers’ Association Richard Bevan has hinted Keegan would be interested in a return, but said: “The structure has to be right.”

This latest development will be an unwelcome distraction for Ashley as he attempts t o source a buyer for the club.

And former Newcastle manager Ruud Gullit has added his voice to growing concerns regarding the club’s current plight and the impact it is having on supporters.

The Dutchman, who was in the St James’ Park hotseat from 1998 to 1999, spoke from Los Angeles to confirm: “I think it is terrible for the club.

I hope they will find a solution as soon as possible and that they can compete in the future.

“There is expectation from the fans but they just want to have a little bit of success, they are very proud of the club.

“There is a lot of pressure from both outdoors and indoors.

It starts at the top and if there they are OK then they have a chance,” he said.