The Second Coming

Only in Newcastle could this happen. The Premier League's version of Eastenders never fails to dish up plot twists and sensational storylines that entertain us and keep our eyes glued to the screen, something that Eastenders often fails to do. Following the departure of "Big Sam", the supposed messiah of Newcastle United has taken his place. "King Kev" who has given us some of the Premier League's most dramatic and defining moments is back at St James' Park. While there is no doubt that the fans are excited by this appointment, the question lingering over Keegan is can he reproduce the attacking football that propelled them to a whisker of the Premier League title in 1995/96?

Keegan went on record last year as saying that it would be unlikely that he would ever manage again. The man who wore his heart on his sleeve had seemingly fallen out of love with the game. Relative success with Newcastle was followed by a promotion with Fulham and an average performance with England. Promotion from the old Division One with Man City in 2002 was followed by the club re-establishing themselves in the top flight. However success was difficult to sustain and he left in 2005. Football has changed a lot since Keegan left Newcastle, heck football has changed a lot since Keegan left Man City! Keegan will not be able to recruit the likes of Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, Faustino Asprilla, as players of those calibre will inevitably be infatuated with the big four and the promise of Champions League football. Keegan has two weeks of the transfer window remaining to improve the squad that has appeared to have stagnated. The defence is the most obvious area that needs strengthening and perhaps a combative midfielder to challenge the ageing Nicky Butt, the erratic Emre and the jail-prone Joey Barton. Up front, Newcastle are well catered for on paper with Mark Viduka, Alan Smith, Obafemi Martins, Shola Ameobi and Michael Owen, with the latter's future called into doubt by the tabloids over accusations made in Owen's autobiography. Surely though, the hatchet will be buried as Owen is the quality of player that Newcastle can ill-afford to lose.

The team that Keegan inherits has some decent players, but the style of play is what the fans want improving. Keegan was famed for his expansive, attacking football and the supporters will be keen for it to return on his second stint on Tyneside. Allardyce should not have been sacked, but the reality is that he was and now Keegan must pick up the pieces. A side in 11th place does not immediately suggest one that is in crisis, but it is well below par in terms of what the fans expect. Which is of course the problem, but the expectations of Newcastle fans being out of proportion has been well documented already. Keegan, unlike his predecessors, will be given time, that there is no doubt. Only Sir Bobby Robson has delivered any success at St. James' Park since Keegans departure, and should the current side get anywhere near what Robson achieved, Keegan will have done his job.

Premier League titles are out of the question this time round, unless of course, Ashley provides sufficient funds, and Champions League football could be a pipe dream, but in terms af managerial appointments, there are far worse ones that could have been made if these were the goals of the Newcastle board. If nothing else is achieved, this will have been one of the greatest footballing stories of the last few years, and one that has the neutral intrigued. The fans call him the "Messiah", but whether the second coming of King Kev results in a miracle will depend on the patience of the fans and how Keegan reacts to the changes in the footballing world since his last post.