Watson And Waddle On Keegan

The amazing news that Kevin Keegan is back at Newcastle United attracted positive comments from two Geordies we know very well.

Interviewed by the BBC, Wednesday's Steve Watson reflected on Kevin's appointment:

'I'm a little bit surprised, but obviously delighted, as a Newcastle fan. I think he's one of the few managers that can stir the fans up straight away. If you asked 99% of the fans he would be the name on everyone's lips. The football that was played under him at Newcastle was the best for many a year and the fans will just be hopeful that something like that can return again.'

When asked if he thought Keegan could replicate his earlier success, Steve said 'It's a completely different club now.. and it's pretty much start from scratch for him. He will be a manager that the players take to straight away.. you only need to look and listen to for 10 minutes and he gets you buzzing and you want to go out and play for him. Hopefully he'll have an immediate impact.'

Owls and Magpies legend Chris Waddle said: 'It is a little bit unbelievable (only a little bit, Chris? - Ed.).. I played with Kevin as a player, he was very enthusiastic, very passionate about the game, and you had to think and play the same way, and if you didn't he'd let you know it.

When he went there as a manager.. he realised what the fans wanted: exciting, entertaining football. He gave them that: he signed some wonderful players at St James' Park and it was really a rollercoaster for five years. They should have won the league, but lost a 12 point lead over Man United. Got to a couple of finals, didn't win any silverware..'

Waddle continued 'It's an interesting time for him to come back, but it's very flat, St James' Park at the minute, there's not a lot of buzz about the place. The last couple of years has been stale and they want exciting football. That's how they were brought up and that's what they want to see.

I'm sure there'll be activity in the transfer market.. the team is a million miles away for the top four, it'll take them time, hopefully they can get a result tonight in the Cup to give them a run.

It'll be a lot harder now than it was previously to attract the players but if there's anyone that can do it, it's Kevin. Alan Shearer and Kevin would be the dream team for Geordie fans.. I wouldn't be surprised if Alan's sitting next to him in the dugout.. Terry MacDermott's already there, who worked with him last time, but there'll be a lot of changes, not just on the playing side.'

One thing's for certain.. there'll be a whole lot of football fans out there looking forward to Keegan renewing his duel with Sir Alex Ferguson, and rubbing their hands in glee at the drama that may unfold. Whatever you say about Kevin Keegan, he's a character and a draw-card, and the game needs more of those.