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King Kev. The hero returns to Newcastle to the delight and excitement of the Toon army. The little dynamo who achieved so much as a player, and took the Magpies as close to winning something as they have been in nearly forty years, is given a rousing welcome as he arrives to turn around the fortunes of this great club. So why the optimism, and is he likely to succeed?

There is no doubting King Kev's record as a player. He was not the most talented footballer in the world, but with hard work, determination, and a wonderful attitude he achieved almost everything anyone can achieve in the game.

He returned to the game some eight years after he retired as a player. He was hailed as the 'Geordie Messiah' when he left his home in Spain and came back to manage the then Championship side Newcastle. He had an immediate effect and promotion to the Premier League was achieved in his first season. He remained as manager until he resigned in January 1997. During his time, Newcastle finished second in 1996, behind Manchester United. At one point they had a twelve point lead over United but poor form and an increasingly agitated Keegan who was showing signs of stress, allowed United to come back and take the title.

In 1998 he took over at Championship side Fulham and again achieved promotion to the Premier League. He then upset the Fulham fans by walking out on the club and taking over as England manager.

Keegan managed England for just twenty months and results were disappointing. Failure in Euro 2000, followed by a world cup qualifying defeat to Germany at Wembley saw Keegan walk away from the job admitting that he was just 'not up to it.'

In February 2001 he took over at Manchester City and again guided his team to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League. In two full seasons in the top flight City finished ninth and sixteenth. The following season he resigned, stating that he wanted to retire from Football.

Since 2005 Keegan has remained in retirement but has now made his well publicized return to where he is the favorite son.

King Kev has a great record at achieving promotion, but as a Premier League manager, and at international level, he has achieved nothing. He won nothing when he was in his heyday and totally up to date with everything football. Now, following a period out of the game, he is returning to a much changed league. The football is quicker and more skillful. The big four clubs have spent money building teams that are way ahead of everyone else.

Whilst Keegan's infectious personality and enthusiasm will almost certainly rekindle some of the desire of his players, they are simply not good enough to achieve much more than a mid-table position.

King Kev is a likable bloke and a good football man, but I see nothing in his record, the team, or the league, to suggest that he will fulfill the desires of the Toon army.

Learn more about this author, Graham Fisher.
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