Bleacher Report - Articles by Eddy Shearyadi

Chris Mort's Shockingly Inconsistent and Inaccurate Football Knowledge

Eddy Shearyadi — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:33:47 -0400

After watching Newcastle side get a vital away point at St. Andrew's yesterday, United chairman Chris Mort is admitted that he and Mike Ashley were surprised by our relegation dogfight and said it was the last thing on their minds when they took over the club last summer.

I told you both, I was also as surprise as you two about the very poor season we're in this year. This is the worst season we ever had in the last Toon's decade of decadence.

Quote from the Shields Gazette, Mort also grown frustrated with the constant speculation around Kevin Keegan's position so soon into his second tenure, He knows Newcastle are a long way from guaranteeing their top-flight status for another season, and staving off the threat of what would be a catastrophic relegation.

The fact is that without any sufficient back-up amount of money available for both former manager and Keegan to penetrate the transfer windows, even Jose Mourinho will not guaranteed anything for them. When Keegan returned to St James' Park in January and the transfer window closed without any new players coming in, Keegan was later saying that he could not offer any guarantees about the club's survival.

From The Guardian, I found it funny when they write about a popular theory that Mike Ashley is went for Keegan simply because most of the fans he spoke to wanted him back, in which the Toon Army were later stands accused him of not knowing too much about football either.

Simply, what we have now is mostly a snowball effect of Newcastle United's poor mismanagement by the former chairman, and to be honest I was hoping at first place that with Mort and Ashley we will have a new era and we will finally have managed a good foundation laid down for the club future, but it seems that we are now fall into another version of mismanagement in what I was (again) hoping that this time it will not worst than the previous one.

We still can survive through this stormy fog of the Tyne, and if they want to have a club according to what they're believe we were, Keegan should have a massive transfer funds ready in the summer for a complete rebuild of this club. If not, then I will say that Chris Mort and Mike Ashley are simply businessmen, self-made billionaires who knows nothing about football.

Damien Duff: We Were the Fittest Side Under Keegan

Eddy Shearyadi — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:16:26 -0500

This post doesn't mean to look for who's telling the truth or whose training method is the better one for Newcastle United. I just feel that this is an interesting stuff to discuss in here.

In an interview, Damien Duff said last week in an unprovoked assertion that practice sessions under the new manager had become harder and more intense.

“I know Big Sam used to say that we were the fittest around, but I think we were far from it,” United winger said. “I don't think we were the fittest when the new gaffer came in.”

The previous manager, who was parted by United chairman last January, responded to Duff words as criticism of his working practices. “There was nothing wrong with the match fitness when I was there, so I think that's a little bit of an excuse,” he said. “Sometimes fitness is a mental thing and I think mental fatigue can hit the players more than anything else."

I can see he is telling the truth, and agree that his former employers are in the match fitness according to his style of play, which is not needed more energy to achieve. I don't think any Newcastle players need to make more running in each of United game under the old boss who loves to play long-ball, and that's why there's no need for harder practice in training like what Keegan now dispatch to the lads.

Since Keegan took charge, none argue that Newcastle's first half performance was brilliant. The lads do more running through the field, playing nice one-two passes and chasing the ball more often. But then, in the second half, their performance was dropped as their match fitness was not fit enough into Keegan's attacking style of play.

I admit that I've only see one live Newcastle game, against Aston Villa last month. I can see we're doing great and leading into half time with Michael Owen's goal. Then in the second half, we cannot repeat our first half performance and were thrashed out by four goals.

Back to Damien's interview, quoted from Times Online, Keegan was just saying that his predecessor was perhaps “coming from a different angle.” Keegan also pointed out that “my way is for players to train quite hard” and made the observation that a lack of confidence was palpable on Tyneside.

“If Duff thinks the training is harder, then wait until pre-season,” Keegan said. At this point, I believe in his way to develop the new fitness standard for each of Newcastle United players. They were being too lazy under the old boss and now it's time to wake them up and training them harder to save our Premiership status.

Kevin Keegan: Newcastle United's Approach All About Attitude

Eddy Shearyadi — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:16:41 -0500

For some of the oldest members of the Toon Army, the memory of Howay Five-Oh! will still remains fresh.

But as time goes by and the kids of the '90s become adults, such memories have faded.

However, the visit of Manchester United offers the opportunity for King Kev's current boys to regain their side's former glory.

The meeting between the two Uniteds should be an epic battle between what once were England's two principal footballing powers—but one of those sides enters this evening fixture in vastly altered circumstances.

On the Friday's pre-match Press Conference, Kevin Keegan laughed off questions about the prospect of a repeat scoreline. Keegan said since the other Manchester club has shown recently that the Red Devils can be beaten, Newcastle fans may have something to cheer about today's game.

"It's an opportunity and that's the way we must look at it." Keegan said, "They have a big strong squad they have plenty of players for the game. We know what they are capable of but I am more concerned with us, our attitude, and how we approach the game."

"Man City showed if you press them and get in their faces, they aren't infallible. We have been working on the things we need to do better. We have got players who can hurt them like they can hurt us."

Keegan also said that winning any Premiership match is dependent on a lot of things, and he urged hisplayers to put forth a performance like they produced against Arsenal at home. It wasn't merely the final result of that match that was impressive—it was the way the Magpie players showed that it mattered.

"Sometimes it's a good tackle, or someone showing commitment beyond the call of duty such as putting their head where other people wouldn't put their boot. It's not always about goals at SJP. In particular, it's about commitment." Keegan said as quoted from the Telegraph.

"That's the very minimum requirement we need against Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and all the teams who are where we want to be. If you don't do that you might, as well giver them the points."

And as I said here a couple of days ago, I don't want to see the entertainers showing up on the field against Manchester United today. I want to see the team playing as a unit, attacking with confidence, and scoring goals. Maybe today will be the day where the Cavaliers come back to Toon!

Media Outlets: Never Learn to Quit, Keep on Kevin Keegan

Eddy Shearyadi — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:21:44 -0500

First, they keep repeating the news that Keegan's return is something that will not bear any success, and now the latest silly reports about any new consortium vowing to buy Newcastle United from Mike Ashley.

If I were Mike Ashley, or as rich as he is, I would buy those stupid internet news media outlets and shut their mouths.

I would tell them to write any news concerning Newcastle United in the paper, or a proper medium.

The North-East consortium wanting to buy out Newcastle from billionaire owner Mike Ashley with a £250 million bid, and again, News of the World's Tyneside’s source said they wanted to put Toon legend Alan Shearer as the leading man to manage Newcastle.

Meanwhile, after Keegan’s speech about looking for the right player, the Sun has made another speculations about King Kev chasing Manchester United defender Wes Brown, Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge, and West Ham United striker Dean Ashton as his prime targets for summer transfers.

And the best part, from the one that I will never mention by name again, said that Mike Ashley and Chris Mort are huge businessmen, multi-millionaires in their own right, very clever men, but they've never been shouted at.

He said they can’t stand the pressure, their knees buckle, they don’t stand strong, and they use the easy option to take the pressure off themselves.

“They have to be the strongest ones and often they’re the weakest ones. They might like the limelight when the success comes, but they certainly can’t put up with the other side of it, which is really quite volatile now.”

He said more, and you don’t have to think twice to guess who said that, right?

I’m looking forward for his return in a managerial career and hope he will be Roy Keane’s successor at MacKem’s land so we can give him a very warm applause at St. James’ Park, IF they’re not going down again this season.

Tired of the Negativity: Newcastle United to Have Last Laugh

Eddy Shearyadi — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:34:20 -0500

Yes we are in the run of bad results, you’re right to say that we were relegation candidate, I’d love it when you think we will going down as the genuine Toon Army will be the last one to laugh on summer.

As a Newcastle fan, I’m tired to read all the negative thoughts and reports about how bad my team is. It is not helping us at all, we all know for sure that we have the worst time in our Premierships history. But, that will make us more UNITED, because we’re the most UNITED TEAM in the land, accept that!

Sir Bobby Robson have good opinion on Special K second return, and I’m sure that he will also not agree to what so called the “England legend” Jimmy Greaves negative thoughts about Keegan. Greaves branded Kevin Keegan’s return to management as ‘disaster’ and said that Keegan is living in the past.

I then have a good laugh at his opinion about Sam Allardyce’s cutting edge football. Howay Jimmy, why on earth you said some boring football from Allardyce has to be branded as a cutting edge.

Okay, you said that Newcastle didn’t give enough time for him, true, and I also thought the same way. But, after what he has said about being bigger than Newcastle United, I have lost all the respect that I have for him.

“All I want now is for Kevin to be successful again at Newcastle because the club desperately need a lift.” Sir Bobby said more, “I will continue to support them from the stands because it is my club. Always has been, and always will.”

Keegan also admit today on the official site that he will first ensure Newcastle United’s Premier League safety before casting his eye to the summer and a list of potential transfer targets, and start his real job to shape the real Newcastle United team.

“First we have to get the players to ensure our safety, because we’re not safe yet. We need a win. That’s all we lack at the moment,” he told Newcastle World TV “The confidence will come flowing back and the football will get better and the players will start to trust each other that little bit more.”

Newcastle United: Sam Allardyce Lays Blame for Poor Season

Eddy Shearyadi — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:52:46 -0500

Sam Allardyce finally spoke for the first time to the press yesterday after he parted company with United last month.

Allardyce said that he has done what any best manager can do for Newcastle. He also said he did not have enough backing from Mike Ashley to buy new players last summer.

"I am smarting, I think that for me, (given) the timing, and the few games I had, it was a massive shock when they said they were going to make a change." Allardyce was quoted from Sky Sports as saying. "At the start of the season we had a short window for the new owners to work with. We had not as much money as I expected."

Big Sam said that his original plan to come to Newcastle was to spend big money, the old way that the former chairman Freddie Shepperd had always done with this club.

Allardyce said he has told the new owner to get stick at some point but they haven’t been able to handle the pressure from the Toon Army and some media journalists.

"I’m the casualty of that. Looking back over that short period I don’t think any of it was particularly my fault."

He added, "At the time I considered myself to have a chance but since I've left things have been said that I was never their man."

On his eight months in charge, most of the Toon supporters admit they were never convinced by Allardyce’s appointment, and the media report agreed, because of the style of football he favored. Allardyce did not agree with that opinion and said that the job isn't too big for him.

"That’s an absolute load of rubbish. A job of that size is about the size of the fans, not the club internally. I don’t think the fans didn’t like me. I think they did like me, but it was the agitators that were the problem; the press and one or two of the ex-players."

In my honest opinion, Big Sam was right in some points, and maybe we didn't give him enough time to set the right foundation for the club to go forward.

I also think that he was right about the limited funds he got from the new owner, but I don't agree with what he said about the agitators between the Toon supporters.

Maybe his biggest mistake was that he never listened to what others said about his style of football. Sir Bobby Robson has told him what the Geordies love to see every Saturday: the attacking style, not Big Sam's Bolton-ized version of Newcastle United.

Newcastle United-Middlesbrough: Game Preview

Eddy Shearyadi — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:27:10 -0500

Kevin Keegan will have Turkish midfielder Emre as he returns from suspension.

Mark Viduka is also set to return, a sign he has won the battle against his latest calf injury that sat him out from Keegan's recent games.

Joey Barton, who was introduced as a second-half substitute at Arsenal on Tuesday, will again be available while returning home African Cup of Nations, duo Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye will possibly still be missing.

In his pre-match press conference King Kev hinted that the former Man City midfielder could start his first match in Toon Black-and-Whites since Newcastle's 2-2 home draw with Derby County last year.

"There is a chance Joey might start against Middlesbrough," said Keegan.

"He did very well when he came on against Arsenal, with regard to his situation, it may be self-inflicted, but we are where we are with Joey."

Keegan explained, the changes in his bail conditions allowing him to play a role at Newcastle. There is a chance we will see more of him in the next Toon fixtures.

"Joey knows what he can and cannot do now. And it is a good chance for him to get back on the field," Keegan added.

"It gives him the chance to get mentally prepared again for games. He is fit and raring to go."

Keegan also explained his reasons for allowing David Rozehnal to join the Italian side Lazio on loan until the end of the season. David's temporary switch to the Serie A outfit is intended to get the first-team opportunities in his preferred position of centre-back.

Keegan said that the imminent return of Senegal pair Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye had made the Czech defender's move possible.

"He wanted to play in his position of centre-half and that is probably a position we are well off in," Keegan said.

"Plus we have Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye coming back after they were knocked out of the African Nations and they are two players who can play in that position."

Meanwhile, the visitor side will have to wait for their new Brazilian striker Alfonso Alves international clearance to complete on Thursday to get the chance for a debut at St. James' Park.

Mike Dean, who also in charge of Newcastle 2-2 draw at Riverside in August 2007 will be the official again on Sunday's 1:30 p.m. kickoff at St. James' Park.

Newcastle United and Boro Premiership Meetings:

2006/07: 0-0
2005/06: 2-2 Solano, Clark
2004/05: 0-0
2003/04: 2-1 Bellamy, Shearer
2002/03: 2-0 Ameobi, Steve Caldwell
2001/02: 3-0 Speed, Shearer, Bernard
2000/01: 1-2 Cort
1999/00: 2-1 Shearer (2)
1998/99: 1-1 Shearer
1996/97: 3-1 Beardsley (2), Lee
1995/96: 1-0 Ferdinand

Newcastle United: Still Making Changes

Eddy Shearyadi — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:56:20 -0500

Is Newcastle United in the wrong side of Premier League table?

Maybe, maybe NOT—we have finished in the bottom half of the table in six of the 10 years since Kevin Keegan's departure in 1996.

And when the situation, as some media journalists said, is in total 'madness,' Keegan made the decision and accepted the invitation to get back and manage Newcastle.

His second spell at United electrified the whole Geordie's Nation and the hopes are rising again.

Keegan's 'Old Pal,' Sir Alex Ferguson, quickly questioned the wisdom of his decision. He believes that King Kev will have to break the old mold to achieve significant success and to do his 'unfinished business' at St. James’ Park for the second time.

And then Arsenal came to Newcastle for two successive games under Keegan. If your sanity-awareness mode is on, you will not expecting the Messiah to wave his magic wand to beat the London side immediately, just weeks after his return.

The other disappointing result came in Newcastle's effort to strengthen the first-team squad during January's transfer window. But I think we still have a chance to keep developing and rebuilding the future of Newcastle United.

Let's think positively. We have been taking good steps in the policy to secure the long-term vision of the club, rather than merely looking for any quick succession.

We will not see the likes of Wesley Ngo Baheng, Tamas Kadar, Ben Tozer and Fabio Zamblera in the first-team squad this season, but at least we've secured some new young talent with exciting prospects, all 18 or under. We also have seen the United Academy-graduated Kazenga Lualua and Andy Carroll in a couple of Toon occasions recently.

With the Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye returning home soon, we have the squad that is not bold enough to win the Premier League title, but good enough to keep us in Premierships this season. Sunday's meeting with Middlesbrough will be the game where Keegan's work is actually started.

“The club has very few development players between the ages of 17 and 20, and then below that, to bring through more and better players for the Academy. That all comes with time, the right structure and the right amount of knowledge to get those players," said Newcastle chairman Chris Mort.

“That’s an area we have looked to improve. We want to make this a club where youngsters want to play and where parents also want their sons to come and play.”

So keep the faith and support the team developments. We are in need of any stability both inside and outside the club. As supporters, we have to start rebuilding our own state of mind and let the people inside St. James' Park do their work.

And yes, we certainly have the right to criticize, but let's do it in good manners and for the benefits of the future and not for a short time success.

Kevin Keegan's Team Talk: Did He Really Stun Newcastle Players?

Eddy Shearyadi — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:59:23 -0500

It’s never surprising when a rival's supporters are quick to hurl jeers and gibes against our team. But I don't think that’s the place of the press.

In my opinion, the News of the World article about how United players were stunned by Kevin Keegan's team talk crossed the line.

They claim that the piece was written with the aid of a “club insider” who said something about how the United players were waiting for Keegan to give his instructions, but that all he could manage to offer was, "Arsenal is a great passing team. We must make sure we pass the ball better than them."

But in reality there probably never was an “insider” at all, though the paper claims this informant charged Keegan with an inability to offer any productive tactics. The players were stunned by these allegations.

Nicky Butt said that King Kev brought belief back to the team, disputing the News of the World report.

“The manager has been very chatty, very bubbly around the place. He speaks to you individually and tells you what he expects of you. It’s disappointing at the moment because of the results we have had but we are all feeling very positive,” Butt said.

And speaking to Jonathan Woodgate’s refusal to join Keegan's revolution, Butt said it’s very disappointing that Newcastle did not get a player like Jonathan.

"If Jonathan doesn’t want to come that is up to him. It’s a tight schedule for Kevin to get the deals done because he arrived late. But I’m sure he will be working hard on getting players.”

Butt added, “It’s no good getting players in who are no good to get into the team, we need players who can play week in and week out.”

Newcastle United-Arsenal: Premier League Preview

Eddy Shearyadi — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:21:18 -0500

Newcastle United will try to redeem themselves in a battle against a determined Arsenal, dishing out a full 90 minutes of strength, threat, and challenge to test their ambition this season.

Kevin Keegan's Newcastle side welcomes Mark Viduka after his missing the last two fixtures, while Belozoglu Emre is still out serving his last suspension. Joey Barton, although joining the team in training, will also remain uninvolved.

Shola Ameobi could figure in at the last minute of team selection tomorrow, but Geremi Sorele Njitap Fotso, Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye, and Oba Martins are all still away at the African Cup of Nations in Ghana.

It looks, however, like we’ll have the four of them back soon.

For the home side, Tomas Rosicky—who limped out of Saturday's FA Cup clash with a knee injury—is unlikely to be available on Tuesday.

Michael Owen will definitely start again tomorrow and seems to be paired with Viduka. Keegan believes Owen will soon be back to his goal scoring ways typical of years past.

Last Saturday’s FA Cup defeat was Owen’s seventh consecutive appearance for Newcastle since returning from injury last month.

"Michael is nearly back to where he wants to be," said Keegan. "We have not been creating much for him. If we get him opportunities, he will score."

Mike Riley, who was in charge at United's controversial 2-1 defeat at Chelsea will be the official at tomorrow's fixture. I do hope this time he will show he’s learned from his horrible mistake at Stamford Bridge last month.

Toon Rising: Kevin Keegan Demands More from Newcastle United

Eddy Shearyadi — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 11:53:51 -0500

Kevin Keegan has told United players to convert their first-half performance during Saturday's FA Cup defeat at Emirates Stadium and challenged them to produce that level of performance throughout the full 90 minutes for Tuesday's league fixture.

Last Saturday's opening period saw the Magpies play their best football of the season; with determination and the "Keegan's" attacking style, United team gave a real test to the home side.

Newcastle has at least two great chances to convert the game to their advantage—Alan Smith's strike was denied by Gael Clichy's goal-line clearance and Steven Taylor headed inches over the crossbar.

"It was a very good first half performance and we had the courage to play them," Keegan said. "We could not keep it up (on the second half) and they stepped up, we stepped back and in the end, the gulf was pretty big."

“King Kev” said the biggest problem is confidence. United could not coming back after they scores the first goal and our passing in the second half was X-rated stuff, they were just giving the ball away.

"But if we can put 90 minutes in like we did in the first half, then Arsenal will have a tough game here—although you can still play well for 90 minutes against them and they can turn you over." Keegan added.

Arsenal vs. Newcastle United: FA Cup 4th Round Game Preview

Eddy Shearyadi — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:08:39 -0500

King Kev’s Newcastle squad will be bolstered by the return of Alan Smith and Nicky Butt after the FA suspensions, but will still miss Emre—banned for the red card he received in Newcastle's FA Cup 3rd round replay against Stoke City.

Mark Viduka’s future remains uncertain thanks to his calf problem injury, while Joey Barton is once again unlikely to figure.

Having worked with his squad for over a week now, King Kev is confident that Newcastle can give the London side a hard time; he’ll try to hand London another Cup defeat.

"It's a terrific tie for us. If you thought about the places where we could go there can't be too many harder," Keegan said on the official site. "The cup throws up shocks at times and for most people it would be a shock, but I've said to the players this week, 'What do we want to go there and do?' Obviously the aim is to still be in the competition."

King Kev also asked the United squad to be courageous and to cause as many problems for London as possible. Keegan stressed with players such as Alan Smith, Michael Owen, Charles N'Zogbia, Damien Duff and James Milner the fact that it's no good to ask all this of the team, only to go in, sit back, and get a goalless draw.

I like that, Mr. Keegan!

Arsenal will be minus Robin van Persie (still suffering an injured thigh), midfielder Denilson (with a troubled hamstring), and Johan Djourou (with groin injury).

But defenders Philippe Senderos and Gael Clichy may return. Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, and Alex Song all are away on African Nations Cup duty.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner’s on-pitch bust up during last Tuesday's League Cup has caused coward coach Arsene Wenger to cancel his regular Friday news conference. Why, oh, why, Mr. Wenger, are you afraid of being caught speechless in front of the press?

Newcastle United's Kevin Keegan Says No To Alan Shearer

Eddy Shearyadi — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:41:22 -0500

A BBC report reveals today that Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has confirmed that Alan Shearer will not be his assistant—but insists he could still have a role with the club.

I have personally thought that the posibility of Big Al as King Kev's assistant was as thin as skin couple days ago. And it gets even worse—Shearer told the Sun a couple days ago that he didn't see Newcastle as the only club that he can manage.

The news would be disappointing for the Toon Army since the expectation was very high to see them pairing together for Newcastle.

King Kev still sees the opportunity for Shearer to have a position within his new set up at St James' Park, but definetely not as the assistant.

Now, this may result in new speculations about who is actually going to fill the position as Keegan's assistant on his second return as Newcastle manager. The likes of Dennis Wise and Chris Coleman have been linked to the position couple weeks ago.

Newcastle United: The Return Of Foluwashola Ameobi

Eddy Shearyadi — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 02:34:03 -0500

Once playing up front as the striker for Newcastle United, Foluwashola Ameobi was a true contender even in his early days.

Later he scored important goals for Newcastle, including the Champions league goal against Barcelona in Nou Camp on December 11, 2002.

Ameobi was sidelined for five months during 2006/07 after a hip operation in November 2006. He has all but disappeared, and his career with Newcastle is in real peril.

But last weekend he was recalled to the first team by Kevin Keegan to fight against Bolton. This was his second senior action for Newcastle this season since the League Cup tie at Arsenal way back in September.

"Obviously, it was a special match for us with the gaffer Kevin Keegan and I think we gave it everything we could out there," Shola told the official site. "Bolton played really well and defended really well and we came away with a draw but that is the start of things to come. It is the second time for us as players, for the manager, and for the fans."

Called back for the game last weekend to fill the gap left by Mark Viduka (suffering a calf injury), Ameobi battled it out alongside Michael Owen in the full 90 minutes.

"I was so pleased with Shola Ameobi," comments Keegan. "He hadn't played or trained and I asked him yesterday morning if he would go substitute and get 30 minutes out of it. Then I had to go and ask him to play 90 minutes...But the game was better than any training sessions. He was blowing a bit at the end, but did well for us."

Signing with Newcastle United Academy on July 1, 1995, Shola did not make his debut for the senior team until five years later under Sir Bobby Robson. His first senior team debut was in September 9, 2000 in a home draw against Chelsea. His debut for England U21 took place in 2000/2001.

Shola still has a year left on his current contract with Newcastle, terming out at the end of the 2008/2009 season.

Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer: Sink Or Swim?

Eddy Shearyadi — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:46:22 -0500

At present, both have the most influence in Newcastle United's recent history, and their own egos, probably the oil and water who are hard to mixed in together.

While the possibility seems miles away, the pairing of King Kev and Big Al would perform a dream team only if each one of them can think of one goal which is the most successful Newcastle United.

At the moment, the media is suggesting that Shearer was deeply hurt by the nonappearance of the man who he has adored since his childhood on his testimonial match. Keegan has said the reason why he didn't make it that day as he was on a holiday in United States with his family.

"I couldn't come to Alan's testimonial (against Celtic) because I was on a family holiday in the States. Things like that, sadly, may have affected him, but it hasn't affected me and I want to talk with him and I will," said Keegan, "It's possibly true that it did offend him in some way, but for me to fly all the way from America, I wouldn't have expected him to do that for me. But maybe I'm thinking like I think and maybe it did offend him."

And correct me if I'm wrong on this, but as far as my old brain can remember, Kevin Keegan hasn't had his own Newcastle United testimonial match, and he may have the answer if Shearer would attend the game or not if King Kev is going to have one in the future.

Later on, Keegan said he had telephoned Alan Shearer on Friday before Alan's fly to Uganda to record a series of BBC Sport Relief programs. More detailed talks still need to take place about Shearer's position at the club and what Keegan had in mind, which is unlikely to make the former England international a full-fledged number two.

King Kev has appointed Arthur Cox, his former Newcastle manager when first signing for United in 1982, in an advisory capacity at the club. The 69-year-old was a former assistant of Keegan, and also have worked together with Keegan when he's the manager at Fulham and England.

And regarding to Alan Shearer's commitment, Keegan said that he has other obligations and commitments to the BBC, while United chairman Chris Mort's opinion has added further complicated issue between the two strong North East club's figures.

Mort insists at the very beginning that Shearer must get experience first with any football team before he can become the next Newcastle manager. And to this matter, Keegan believes Shearer is his perfect successor someday.

"I had a conversation with Alan when he was in his last year at the club—I think we were playing golf somewhere—and we were talking about management and the manager's job at Newcastle came up, as it always does. And I said to him 'It will come for you one day, you don't have to go looking for it'."

So, in conclusion to this I don't think it will work out between Keegan and Shearer for the moment. It may later on, but definitely not in the near future.

Newcastle United: Kevin Keegan Eyes Three Transfer Targets

Eddy Shearyadi — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:03:00 -0500

After watching his "limited" Toon squad stalemate game against Bolton yesterday, Kevin Keegan revealed he needed to bring in at least three more players in January’s transfer window.

Admitting it was frustrating, King Kev saw his third reign at St. James' Park meet the Wanderers stubborn barrier.

Gary Megson's squad held the gate very tight for any of United's players to have a clear chances in front of their goal.

"If you look at the result and look at the game, we certainly didn't play as well as we can or I thought we could," Keegan said on the official club site. "But there were a lot of reasons for that, not least that these players played the game last Wednesday with ten men for 60 minutes and were terrific, but looked a bit tired today."

The fact that King Kev was without some of Newcastle United's key players played some part in yesterday's failure to get the maximum points. The remainder of United’s squad who played all looked a bit tired after the midweek FA Cup replay against Stoke City.

So, if you think Keegan was a joke on his first game in charge, you should think twice and look back at his resources yesterday.

United’s bench was packed with four academy players, and only one played in the game.

"We were without eight players and then Mark Viduka pulled a muscle yesterday, so we had nine out.," Keegan added. "The two young players—Charles N'Zogbia and James Milner—who played very well on Wednesday and were outstanding didn't quite manage to do that today, but we were playing a Premier League side."

And today, Keegan said he wants to recruit ready-made Premier League players who have no need of a settling-in period.

The requirement is clear; you can not expect any player to come in January’s transfer window just to be wasting time getting settled in with the Premierships style of play.

"I prefer to bring in players who don't need settling in. But we've got some good players here—make no mistake about it." Keegan said. "I want to bring in three players, I know who they are, but we'll have to see if they are available."

We need players who are ready to give in January transfer, they will act as an immediate help to the team current condition until the end of the season, so we don't have time to wait for them to make adjustment to the new league’s environments.

King Kev already have some names in his pocket, he knew all about the players he was inheriting despite almost three years out of the game.

News today speculating that Newcastle will try to lure the Geordie lad, Michael Carrick, out of the Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Toon new signing, Ben Tozer, scores on his first game with the Toon academy against Nottingham Forest.

The 17-year-old centre-back put Newcastle ahead in the 71st minute before Forest top scorer Ryan Whitehurst fired home an equalizer for the home team, five minutes before full time.

The Difference Between King Kevin Keegan and Howard Kendall

Eddy Shearyadi — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 03:40:41 -0500

The only similarity between Kevin Keegan and Howard Kendall is that both came to their respective club as a player and later became manager.

Howard Kendall, a Geordie lad born on May 22, 1946 in Ryton, Tyne and Wear, has an uncle (Harry Taylor) who played for Newcastle United and Fulham in the 1950s.

But Kendall made his name famous at Everton with whom he signed in March 1967 in a £80,000 transfer. Originally playing as a defender, Kendall was moved into midfield with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey.

In May 1981 Kendall returned to Everton as player-manager, and performed in four games before finally retiring from his career on the field. He struggled as a manager and was on the verge of being sacked in January 1984. In 1987 he left Everton to manage Athletic Bilbao in Spain.

He turned down an offer to manage Newcastle United in 1989 in order to remain in Spain, but was then sacked in November 1989. The following month he returned to England as manager of Manchester City, then returning to Everton in November 1990.

Kendall was less successful the second time around, resigning in December 1993 after a row about money and signings. Following a series of stints managing of other clubs (Xanthi, Notts County, and Sheffield United) he made a third return to Everton in August 1997, but resigned at the end of the season having only managed to avoid relegation on the final day of the season.

Kendall's second return to Everton was initially because the board had no back-up plans. King Kev, on the other hand, returned as the manager of Newcastle United because he was chosen by the board and owner. King Kev will have all the support (financial and otherwise) needed to sign any player he likes.

Additionally, I don't think Kendall has a close relationship with the Everton fans—despite his "Holy Trinity" with Ball and Harvey—while Keegan shares a real soul connection with the Toon Army.

I know it's too early to tell if Keegan's second attempt as manager of Newcastle will prove more successful than the first, but with significant back-up from Mike Ashley and with some luck he will make it this time. He has unfinished business at Newcastle: bringing silverware to Newcastle United.

Newcastle's Kevin Keegan Handed Unlimited Transfer Funds

Eddy Shearyadi — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:25:13 -0500

After his meeting with Newcastle chairman Chris Mort, King Kev has been promised unlimited funds next summer.

Newscastle manager Kevin Keegan met with the United chairman yesterday to map out his strategy for the January transfer window after seeing his United players for the first time to describe his vision of the future at the plush Benton complex.

A source close to the United owner told the Telegraph today that Mike has told Keegan he has a "bottomless pit" of money at his disposal as he attempts to turn the club into an exciting, attacking force capable of challenging English football's big four.

Telegraph also reveals that the Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and fullback Wayne Bridge, Barcelona's Deco, Celtic's Scott Brown, Bayern Munich's Belgian centre-half Daniel van Buyten and Manchester United's Wes Brown are among Keegan's first transfer list in January.

King Kev has spent nearly £35 million in his first four years as Newcastle manager from 1992-1996 on the way to turning Newcastle United from "no-hopers" into a club with very few equals to Premiership. During that period, he has signed and transferred around 60 players and assembled the strongest squad in the club's history.

"I've had terrific pleasure from so many players I've brought here. I've said how much I admire Brian Kilcline and my thoughts on Andy Cole are well-known. Andy did a fantastic job here and he'll always score goals," said King Kev in an interview during his first spell at Newcastle.

"Sometimes you would analyze the way he'd played, decide that he hadn't done this or that too well and then wondered how he'd managed another hat-trick!"

Asking about his other signings throughout those years, Keegan said that getting Peter Beardsley gave him a lot of pleasure. Keegan said that you didn't need to be a clever manager to know what he could do for your team.

Before signing Beardsley, King Kev has to persuade Sir John Hall that Peter wasn't too old and was the real trick in that deal.

"I keep reminding Sir John of the job Peter is still doing. The chairman takes it very well. It was a classic case of the Board backing the manager's judgement and that is all a manager can ask," he said.

But from all these players, Keegan has singled out Robert Lee as the most influential player he has signed for Newcastle United. Since United moved him from the wide right position he held at Charlton into the center of Newcastle midfield, he's developed into the best midfield player in Britain.

"Robert has gone on raising his standards in line with the way we've raised Newcastle United's standards and I really can't speak too highly of the man." Keegan said about Rob Lee.

Now, following his second return, "The Toon Army" is waiting eagerly for his first move in the transfer market. The Geordies are waiting for another Keegan's brilliant signing just like what he did when he brought in the likes of Andy Cole, Philippe Albert, David Ginola, Keith Gillespie, David Batty, Les Ferdinand, Scott Sellars, John Beresford, Faustino Asprilla, Paul Bracewell, Barry Venison, Ruel Fox, Marc Hottiger and of course Big Alan Shearer.

Why Is Kevin Keegan So Special In The Eyes Of Toon Army?

Eddy Shearyadi — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:30:02 -0500

So you want to know the truth about him, especially those who are club "outsiders" and who might feel funny about his return to United? Wonder why a 56-year-old manager who failed in his first attempt still receives the highest appreciation from the Geordies' faithful? Well, now you'll have the answers.

What follows is personal opinion, and so may not well address the whole Toon Army conception of King Kev. But in general, I think you'll understand my point.

It all began back in 1982 when Arthur Cox made his £100,000 transfer from Southampton to Newcastle United in a massive scoop, and eventually took the club back to the First Division. Keegan's signing on that day proved to dramatically alter the United team as a winning formula.

Although he was not born and bred a Geordie, Keegan is the son of a Geordie miner from Hetton, a local hero who helped save many lives during the Stanley Pit coal mining disaster. Keegan is proud of his Geordie roots and feels that he is one of them.

In his first encounter with the Magpies Kevin Keegan went netted 49 goals in 85 appearances. Queues for season tickets stretched around the streets of Gallowgate within 24 hours of his arrival (and the same thing happened last Wednesday after his return to United caused the Toon Army rush for remaining FA Cup replay tickets).

King Kev made his first return to Gallowgate End ten years later when the Magpies were facing relegation to Division Three in 1992. Keegan had a dramatic effect on the club. He saved the day, built a stylish team that lifted the First Division Championship, and then challenged for the Premiership Title.

Personally, King Kev is one who brings excitement to my soul. He baptized me as a member of the Toon Army so no matter what, he will always be a special figure for me, and for most Toons worldwide. Kevin Keegan has done a marvelous job in making Newcastle United a football team known worldwide.

Now that he has made a sensational return, he is back to tackle unfinished business with United. St. James' Park will have its soul ignited once again.

Keegan's official presentation will take place at St. James' Park at 2:00 PM today. His reception will be raucous as he leads the team against Bolton tomorrow.

Newcastle United Manger: Thank God It Wasn't Harry Redknapp

Eddy Shearyadi — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:08:10 -0500

"I'm back home," were his first words after his official announcement as Sam Allardyce's successor. Kevin Keegan, 56 years old now, with silver hair and a look more mature than when he last left the club, will help to rebuild (again) the ruins of St. James' Park.

"He's the people's choice," said Les Ferdinand. "The supporters want him there and it's great to see him back there."

Keegan will start to set up his own backstaff in the next two days. The first job will be to decide who will be his number two. Alan Shearer has sent the message "Come and get me!" and it is known that Mike Ashley is keen to involve Shearer in his Tyneside new-revolution.

"I haven't really seen myself as a number two, but yes it's my club," said Shearer. "First and foremost, I'm not so sure he's (Keegan) thought about it. He's his own man. If he was to ring me and ask to speak to me, I would certainly speak to him."

After realising his position was not to be that of manager because the United owner is looking only for someone with experience, Shearer is now hoping that he will be considered as KK assistant.

The news today also mentioned that Keegan's former teammate Terry McDermott and Peter Beardsley are expected to be involved in some capacity. Meanwhile, Chris Coleman's recent resignation from Spanish Club Real Sociedad has prompted new speculation from the press that he could also play a role in Keegan's Toon resurrection.

"I hope and pray that he does well because I'm a fan at the end of the day. The place will be rocking, the fans want entertainment, passion and commitment, and they haven't seen it of late." Shearer added more, "He failed to win a trophy for them last time but you can bet your bottom dollar he will try to win one this time around."

Keegan's appointment was a special one. In fact so special that the outsiders cannot and never will understand the magic between Newcastle and Keegan, his status as iconic figure, and all that he has done for this club. So I thank God It wasn't Redknapp or anybody else.

Nigel Pearson and the Dragon with Eleven Heads: Newcastle United's New Saga

Eddy Shearyadi — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:18:11 -0500

The story continues. The Kingdom of NorthEast still wondering who will be in charge after they have lost their new knight who is just 8 months in charge.

The War is not completed, and his deputy now sweating about the possibility to go to the rest of the war.

Meanwhile, the new King and his Joker are still working from one meeting to another, and outside the castle the people of Geordieland are busy with their own speculations about who is the upcoming hero for them.

The local young lad, who has been involved in many of the Kingdom battles before, is now waiting for any knock on his door, and so is his old mentor Lord Keegan.

The former knight deputy who is in charge now has so little power, no long-term plan, no job security, and no idea who is coming to take the remaining soldiers.

However, Nigel Pearson faces all of these sudden tasks bravely. This is the second time he had to cope with the removal of a knight he has helped for at Geordieland.

He has tasted his first defeat in a battle last weekend, and it was something that he won’t want to experience again. But tonight, He will be in for another duty again, and to raise his sword up high and give commands to the Black-and-White army in a war against the challenge from Stoke City.

And this time he knows it that he is simply cannot contemplate another defeat.

It is surely an uncertain and uncomfortable time for everyone at the Kingdom. Against the Potteries, who is in a normal battlefield, with proper knight in charge. Too bad, now they look like a dragon with eleven heads to fight for the Black-and-White army.

And to give more of the uncertain, the King of the Gallowgate is now forced to include any possibility of an imported Knight to rule his Kingdom army, and the story continues…

Chris Mort Speaks on Criteria for Newcastle United Manager

Eddy Shearyadi — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:38:39 -0500

For about a week now, we've only read speculations of who will replace Sam Allardyce as the manager of Newcastle United. Today, United chairman told the official site that he and owner Mike Ashley feel the most important thing now is to get the decision right.

Chris Mort said he wants a manager who is able to lay solid foundations for Newcastle's future. They will need to take whatever time is necessary to make that right decision.

They also added three important criteria to consider for each candidate:

A great manager who can have the team playing with the right balance of winning and stylish football. We know we will have defeats and losing runs along the way, but if the team is not trying to play football "on the carpet" as Sir Bobby Robson recently described it I think they will always struggle to win over the followers of Newcastle United.
A manager who is willing to develop the youth side of the club. For too long the club has missed out on the young footballing talent in the region. These days that talent needs to be combined with young talent sourced both nationally and internationally.
A manager who can speak English. There have been media suggestions that we would only appoint a British manager. That is not true. However, we think this is a big enough job without the manager having to operate through an interpreter.
A manager willing and able to take on and cope with Newcastle United, not currently a Champions League team. In six of the last 10 seasons, we have finished in the bottom half of the Premier League. We have also seen the pressures placed on Newcastle United and its manager by some of the press and supporters recently and need someone who is willing and able to handle that.

There's also a very interesting point, especially for those who fancy Jose Mourinho the most...sorry, but it seems that we WILL NOT going to after him.

On his note, Mort said that we are not necessarily going to interest a manager who is already at a team playing Champions League football or whose only ambition is to manage a top team in, say, Spain or Italy.

I have to say, I personally think it makes a lot of sense, although with all those criteria we cannot hope to get the right man in a short period. In fact it would be a dream come true if we could get a man who satisfies all of those requirements.

Honest, I'm more than happy if we can get the man who can answer the challenge on points one and two.

Newcastle Manager Search: Mike Ashley Turns Sights To “His Man” Mark Hughes

Eddy Shearyadi — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:08:54 -0500

Former Vice-Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, Paul Kemsley, is Mike Ashley’s private advisor? I can say it seems to appear like that. Kemsley who left the London club Spurs in October 2007 and runs Rock Properties, is a close friend of Mike's.

Sources close to Ashley claim that Mike wants Hughes at first place after taking the decision to sack Allardyce, but he later made Harry Redknapp his top target upon the advice of Paul Kemsley. Ashley thought with Paul Kemsley having far more experience in football, he must be right about Redknapp.

Ashley has been known to admire the Welsh manager when he was regularly visiting Ewood Park regarding a commercial tie-up between Blackburn’s former kit manufacturer Lonsdale, which is one of Ashley's company.

Now, after Harry Redknapp has announced to stay at Pompey, Mike turns his sight back to Hughes again. The senior Newcastle United sources, told the Guardian last night that the CVs of other candidates are also being scrutinized. The list of other strong candidates includes Gérard Houllier, Jose Mourinho and Steve McClaren.

Before coming back from his business trip, Mike has said that he needs time to make his final decision about the one who will be the next United manager. The club source also admits they (Ashley and Chris Mort) will take their time in making a careful appointment.

After watching last Saturday’s trashing by Manchester United and how the United caretaker Nigel Pearson said it is the situation that would be best to served first, there’s no other way for both Mike Ashley and Chris Mort except to make the decision immediately.

The man himself, Mark Hughes, said he had not had any contact with Newcastle so far and he doesn’t answer to any hypothetical questions that come to his side about the possibility to manage Newcastle United.

“It’s not in my hands; it’s in the chairman’s hands. I’m proud to be Blackburn Rovers’ manager (but) in football you can never say never.” He told the Guardian.

Meanwhile, the Magpies Zone source said the thing about Hughes that bothers the Toon Army is that he is a classic ‘other club’ man. There isn’t anything about him for Newcastle to be proud of. He is just doesn’t feel right to some.

So, who will be the one?

Newcastle Manager: Is Alan Shearer the Man for the Job?

Eddy Shearyadi — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 19:14:40 -0500

Sir Bobby Robson's told the Daily Mail about Mike Ashley now has a simple but important decision to make. Turn to local legend Alan Shearer, even though he is untested, or choose a man with experience, a safer option, such as Mark Hughes, Gerard Houllier or Martin Jol.

He also said that ninety-nine times out of hundred, he would call for an experienced. Newcastle would normally be too big for a first-timer. But later he said about the different personality that Shearer has and his status plus charisma of few other candidates in this country would have.

I agree until that point, but I'm mostly agree with his ninety-nine times rather than Shearer's personality or his status as a Geordie boy. But I'm not agree with Sir Bobby's Klinsmann example of a person who has never been in charge of a club, to be Bayern Munich next manager simply because of his aura in the game.

Klinsi may never have experienced in club level, but don't forget he's the former German national team manager who lead his team into third place in the last world cup. So it is a very different issue regarding Shearer to compare with Klinsmann achievements before being appointed as Bayern next manager.

For Newcastle United, Shearer is a unique case because of his status and what he has done for the club as a player. Sir Bobby said it was not his fault but whoever takes Newcastle job will have to deal with his "ghost" on their shoulder and will always be under his shadow because of the strength of feeling towards him in the Northeast.

The mixed of emotional feeling and the Geordie's passion these days may resulting there's only one Shearer who could be the saviour, but when the honeymoon is over, I'm afraid of another overrated demands of success will create another pressure cooker situation upon their own appointed Messiah.

A Tale That Wasn't Right: The Toon Legacy

Eddy Shearyadi — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 19:06:32 -0500

Once upon a time not so long ago, there's a land called Geordieland, a place where the people live with passion and pride, was looking for a proper knight to help lead them to conquer the world with bare hands. They just had a new King who banished all of the previous regimes and gave promise of new hope for Geordieland citizens.

The new King found out that the previous Landlord has just appointed a knight who has won many battles before. He is then willing to give that knight the chance to make another glorious win for the upcoming wars ahead. The King promised him to pay for his soldiers, but that promise never became a reality.

The new knight called Sam Allardyce has to win his own battle inside and get the soldiers he needed by selling the old ones. He marched on to his battles with no sufficient back-up from the new King.

The new appointed knight had just bowled over the whole nation's six-man interview panel with a mightily impressive presentation on his plans to succeed another knight, Sven-Göran Eriksson as the country's general.

The new knight wants to concentrate on the job he's already accepted, and believe with his old battle track records, he can do the same with his new task.

But the tale wasn't right every time, and with the legacy he's got from his previous five knights in charge, Big Sam meet the battle that was hard to win this time.

After successful in winning his first war, following with several hard fought wins in and outside his castle, the new knight failed to keep his soldiers in good shape and the curse of the legacy starts to haunt him down. Unable to sleep well at night, his mind and soul were terrorized by the Geordieland citizens, and his strength slowly faded.

The legacy is still continuing to hunt for other victims, and whoever will come next, he must be the one that could break the old curse, to fix the devastated morale of the team and the people of Geordieland. The new hope looks like it will never come, and the fog of the Tyne is still as cloudy as before for many years to come. Unless the new King is already got the ace card in his pocket.

"Woe to you, Oh Earth and Sea, for the Devil sends the beast with wrath, because he knows the time is short..." (Iron Maiden, "The Number of the Beast")