Keegan holds shock talks
Former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan held shock talks with the Premier League club's owner Mike Ashley on Friday.
However, it was unclear whether or not the discussions were linked to Keegan returning to the manager's hot-seat, just eight days after he sensationally walked out.
The League Managers Association (LMA) confirmed that talks "to resolve several issues were held" between Keegan and Ashley.
"However, the discussions failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion," said an LMA statement.
Former England manager Keegan resigned as Newcastle manager for the second time on September 4, stating: "It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want."
Keegan's departure led to a backlash from supporters against the Newcastle board, and specifically Ashley and executive director of football Dennis Wise.
Protests have been planned ahead of Saturday's Premier League match against Hull at St James' Park.
Keegan, 57, may have to pay compensation to Newcastle for leaving his post after less than eight months, and discussions over that issue could also have prompted a meeting with Ashley.
It is not clear whether or not the two men will hold further talks after the news of the unexpected meeting sparked hopes of a reconciliation on Tyneside.
As rumours over the meeting's nature grew, some bookmakers responded by suspending betting on Keegan taking over as the next manager.
Keegan tendered his resignation after becoming increasingly disillusioned with how team affairs were being run.
He was furious with the way the club had addressed the process of strengthening his squad when, after selling midfielder James Milner to Aston Villa for 12 million pounds with just days of the summer transfer window remaining, they recruited only Spain Under-21 striker Xisco and loan signing Ignacio Gonzalez.
Keegan met managing director Derek Llambias on several occasions, but having consulted the LMA and his lawyers, eventually decided to walk away.
That came as a surprise to his employers, who believed they were making progress, and when the LMA suggested on his behalf that the board's role in the club's summer transfer dealings had been the major factor, the club hit back.
Newcastle issued a statement last Saturday claiming Keegan had been fully aware of his responsibilities, and those allotted to Wise and his recruitment team.
In recent days, a series of candidates have been linked with the vacant post, with Tottenham number two Gus Poyet, Blackburn boss Paul Ince and former France skipper Didier Deschamps leading the way.
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