sport

KK FUTURE STILL IN DOUBT

Keegan - confusion and speculation.

Kevin Keegan's future as Newcastle manager remains shrouded in doubt.

The Magpies boss missed training for a third successive day with no official explanation from the club for his absence.

Rumours began circulating on Tuesday that the Geordie legend had left the club, just eight months after returning for a second stint at the helm.

Keegan is reported to be unhappy at much of the club's transfer activity being conducted without his approval, after owner Mike Ashley brought in Dennis Wise as executive director (football).

The sale of James Milner to Aston Villa went against the former England manager's wishes, with the winger handing in a transfer request after the club's refusal to offer him an improved contract.

Newcastle confirmed on Wednesday that talks with Keegan were 'ongoing', and insisted that he had not been sacked, or resigned from his post.

But with no further public announcements emerging from the North East club, and no sign of Keegan at their Darsley Park training base, speculation continues to rage.

The club's fans have been quick to show their support for the man regarded as a footballing Messiah on Tyneside and have already threatened to boycott matches should his time at the helm be brought to an abrupt and unseemly end.