The Newcastle War Rages On: Is Keegan Staying Or Going? Is It Barton's Fault?

Yesterday's headline maker was the sensational transfer deadline day, with Manchester City dominating the proceedings.

Today's headlines have not gone to Eastlands, but to St. James' Park. The strong rumour is that "King Kev" has been sacked as Newcastle manager. Newcastle themselves staunchly deny it.

But, they haven't denied that Keegan has left the club. They say they want him to be a key member of the club now and in the future. That to me sounds like they are pleading with him to come back.

But it has all seemed to come out of the blue. Newcastle aren't exactly in turmoil, and Keegan looked like he was starting to bring them back to the force they once were.

Michael Owen had just been offered a new contract, and they had made some promising and good signings over the summer.

So why get rid of him? Or why have they had such a big argument that Keegan has decided to leave the club?

Well, rumour has it, it is over Joey Barton.

The board don't agree with Kevin Keegan sticking with Barton, they want him out. As far as they are concerned his is tainting the club's name and image by being there and, if they can get a few million from selling him, then everybody wins.

Why has this happened the day after the transfer window has closed? Well, it seems that Barton was poised to move on deadline day, but didn't in the end. Perhaps Keegan had something to do with this, and the board weren't happy with this.

If this is the case then well done Kevin Keegan. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Keegan, but I have gained enormous respect for him.

He has tried to help a young man get his life back on track when all others have turned their backs on him. People have been condemning Joey Barton and are refusing to move on from what he did.

Let me ask you what is worse—punching someone in the face while drunk on an impulse, or planning an assault for years to end the career of a player who once injured you by accident?

Joey Barton's is the lesser of the two evils. Yet Roy Keane, who committed the latter offence, is not considered a thug who should be banned from football for life.

I'm not saying Keane should be condemned, I'm just saying Barton shouldn't.

Keegan sticking up for Barton, even it it means losing his job, shows the passion he has for this. He knows people deserve chances. Yes, Barton has used up most of his chances, but he isn't even being given one this time.

Whatever the reason behind these sensational claims, all is evidently not well at St. James' Park and, if it carries on like this, it'll be Mike Ashley and Dennis Wise who will be in the firing line.