‘Scandalous’ – Exclusive: Pundit reacts as Newcastle tipped to make shock appointment
Noel Whelan insisted Newcastle United must bring back Kevin Keegan “in some capacity” if he wishes to return to St. James’ Park.
The former Leeds and Coventry forward, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, claimed the 69-year-old “knows the game inside out” and would be a good addition as a club ambassador.
The Premier League is in the latter stages of ratifying a £300million takeover of the club by the PCP Partners, a Saudi-backed consortium led by Amanda Staveley.
As revealed by Football Insider, if completed, the prospective new owners plan to invest an initial £200million into the club’s recruitment and infrastructure.
According to the Daily Mirror, the former Magpies manager and player is being lined up for a sensational return to Tyneside as a club ambassador.
Whelan claimed the only question was whether Keegan himself was interested in the role.
“Does Kevin want to get back into it? That is the question,” he told Football Insider.
“You want to get him back into the club in some capacity. As an ambassador, somebody in and around the club.
“You cannot have a legend like that not being part of a football club – it is scandalous.
“I love Kevin. I have had him on my show a couple of times and he is a fantastic talker and he knows the game inside out.
“Great experience, great memories and a great reputation in the game.”
Keegan resigned from his second spell as Newcastle manager in September 2008 after just eight months in charge.
During his first stint in charge at St. James’ Park, Keegan led the Magpies to two consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League – 1995/96 and 1996/97.
In other Newcastle United news, Kevin Phillips has told Football Insider how Mauricio Pochettino would react if offered the chance to replace Bruce.