King Kev’s grand plan to create
AMBITIOUS FORMER BOSS HAD SUPERSTAR-LADEN WISH LIST
KEVIN Keegan had a wish list rather than a hit list when he returned for his second spell as Newcastle United manager in 2008.
By the time those unrealistic targets were crossed out there were not many names left – but Keegan felt it was important for the Magpies to dream again.
He felt the squad he inherited during his Second Coming was too small to cope with the rigours of the Premier League, particularly with so many players involved at the African Nations Cup, but was initially ‘certain’ he had an owner in Mike Ashley who would help sign players who would surprise supporters.
Once executive director Dennis Wise, vice-president Tony Jimenez and technical co-ordinator Jeff Vetere were on board, it did not work out like that and Keegan walked away in 2009 after Ignacio Gonzalez and Xisco were signed against his wishes.
Keegan was later awarded £2m in compensation after an independent arbitration panel found he was constructively dismissed by Newcastle after previously being assured he would have the final say on any transfers.
So who were among Keegan’s dream targets?
Here is a look at some of those players who were on King Kev’s radar during his eight months at St James’ Park and would have slotted in alongside Shay Given, Michael Owen et al.
JONATHAN WOODGATE
When he took over in January, 2008, Keegan felt Middlesbrough and England centre-back Woodgate would be the crucial first piece of the jigsaw in taking the Magpies to the next level.
The defender, who spent a season at St James’ Park before joining Real Madrid in 2004, was still in regular contact with goalkeeper Steve Harper and Keegan believed the club would get four good years out of him.
Newcastle were given permission to speak to Woodgate.
However, Keegan later claimed Jimenez did not want him in the meeting with the player and Spurs ultimately won the race.
SAMI HYYPIA
Even if Newcastle had signed Woodgate, Keegan still felt Newcastle needed a leader at the back and knew veteran Hyypia would be available at a knockdown fee of around £2m.
Hyppia was keen on a move to St James’ Park and, just as Woodgate had sounded out Harper, the Finland international was in touch with former team-mate Michael Owen.
Keegan knew Hyypia wanted a two-year deal at £40,000 a week and that Liverpool were asking for £2m but claimed in his book Newcastle only offered £1m.
FRANK LAMPARD
Keegan handed Lampard his England debut in 1999 and was told the midfielder was ‘having problems’ at Chelsea and would be interested in a move to St James’ Park nine years later.
At the time, Lampard was entering the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea had turned down a bid from Inter Milan, who