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Magpies cast envious glances towards fifth-placed Everton
KEVIN Keegan insists Newcastle
United must look towards the
achievements of Everton as a
benchmark for success next season.
David Moyes' men will be playing
UEFA Cup football after finishing
fifth following yesterday's
3-1 win at Goodison Park.
And it is a situation Keegan
can only envy as the Tynesiders'
season came to a disappointing
end on Merseyside.
Keegan has already been informed
there will be limited
funds during the summer.
But, having witnessed what
Moyes has achieved on a modest
budget, Keegan is keen to follow
suit.
"I think it's an inspiration to
everybody," said the Newcastle
boss. "It's not a massive squad,
but it's been in Europe.
"They've made good investments
in the summer with the
likes of Yakubu and Phil Jagielka.
"They haven't not invested,
they've invested wisely and
they've finished fifth.
"I reckon that's a terrific situation
for any of the other clubs
(outside the top four).
"Today is not about Newcastle
United unfortunately. It's about
Everton and David Moyes, how
good his team's been, what a
great season they've had and just
leave us out of it.
"We just made up the numbers
here today, I think in a very good
way, but it was about Everton
today.
"Bill Kenwright (Everton
chairman) is a very proud man
and so he should be. I said to him
walking down the tunnel we're
after that position next year, go
and enjoy it while you can!'
"He'll probably get me back
next year when I'm sat here
again and they finish fifth."
Following talks with Newcastle
owner Mike Ashley on Friday,
Keegan insists he is going
nowhere. His St James' Park future
appeared to be on the line
last week when he conceded the
club would never break into the
top four with him at the helm.
"I'm now convinced after listening
to so many people who
know the game that I was wrong
- that the same top four teams
haven't been there for the last six
years apart from one.
"I thought I was right on that
but I'll have to check my book on
it."
But whatever Keegan's feelings
are, the Magpies boss insists
he is happy with life on Tyneside
and he is fully committed to concentrating
on the job in hand.
He said: "A statement was put
out and I am totally happy with
it. You shouldn't doubt a chairman's
statement.
"It was a very important meeting
but it's not what today's
about. Today's about Newcastle,
Everton and a match, which I
thought was a good match."
But, with a UEFA Cup place at
stake for Everton, Keegan admitted
that the home side had
more motivation to win yesterday's
encounter.
"They had a lot more to play for
than us and at times that
showed," said Keegan. "They're
higher in the table and they are
where we want to be."
9:20am Monday 12th May 2008
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