Kevin Keegan was disappointed this afternoon when his Newcastle United side failed to earn a win his comeback game after being away from the club for 11 years.
Kevin Keegan - manager disappointed for the Geordie fans
The Newcastle fans expected a free-flowing Keegan style of play, but today they saw little of that, even though in the second half the team pushed forward for the winner. However, they couldn’t create any real clear-cut chances.
While a clean sheet and a 0-0 scoreline was not what was expected on Keegan’s return the team looked well organized and solid, if lacking the flair of old.
However, to be fair Newcastle had 6 central midfielders missing so had to rely on Rozehnal (center-back) and N’Zogbia (left wing) to fuel the engine of the team. While they tried their very best, they hardly dominated as Bolton played well and with great spirit.
After the game Kevin told Setanta Sports:
“You hoped it wouldn’t be a 0-0 type of game,”“The stadium was rocking but Bolton came here and were very well disciplined and very well organized by Gary (Megson) and we weren’t good enough to break them down.”
“There was plenty of effort, plenty of endeavor, trying so hard - maybe too hard - to make things happen.”
“We missed a lot players today. Take that into consideration and forget the hype and it’s actually quite a good result for us.”
“It will improve from here. Maybe we will get players in. We are a quality squad but we are a small squad.”
It’s not what the fans had hoped for, but we’ll take the one point. The next two games at the Emirates will be a strong test for the new Keegan team.
But Kevin now has a full week to get the lads ready and work on their confidence - which he no doubt will do before next weekend. 
We also expect some news regarding Alan Shearer early next week, but still don’t know whether Alan will join Kevin’s coaching staff.
Comments always welcome.
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60 responses so far ↓
1 Tom_Toon // Jan 19, 2008 at 20:58
At least he speaks the truth and doesnt make excuses like that fat fook we did have.
2 Tripp // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:06
Not a surprising result given that we’re massively depleted at the moment. Losing the Duke didn’t help our cause either. Like most I’m a bit disappointed, really wanted all 3 points. But, at the end of the day, there are some positives to take away, including a clean sheet. How many of those did we have under BSA will playing for them? 3?
3 ende // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:07
Today’s result = Okay
No more no less. Sure would’ve liked to have seen a win, but it wasn’t really that bad considering Kev’s only had two days with the team. What heartens me is the fact that we did better in the 2nd than in the 1st.. a bit of a departure from recent history.
4 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:27
Players from the senior squad that will stay for next season :
Given
Harper
Beye
Taylor
Enrique
Nzogbia
Duff
Owen
Keegan will get rid of all of these (hopefully)
Shola
Cacapa
Rozenhal
Carr
Butt
Smith
Viduka
Milner
Faye (has done a good job so far but not good enough for the future)
Martins (misses too many chances)
Geremi
5 hanzemre // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:31
yea result was okay considering we have ameobi played (or did he actually play?) hmmm .. made up the numbers maybe.
6 Gordon d // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:33
I would give Rozehnal a chance pretty steady today considering he was not in his favoured position.
7 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:35
Gordon - I like Rozenhal too, but not good enough for what we need. We have to get the very best players we can in those positions, and none of the top 6 would have bought Rozenhal. Although none of the bottom 6 would even take Shola on loan
8 Tom_Toon // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:39
Signings for Jan/Summer:
Zuiverloon - RB/LB - 2 mil
van Buyten - CB - 4 mil
Vukojevic - DM 4 mil or Cana - DM - 6 mil
Nicolita - RM - 4 mil
Chikhaoui - CAM/ST - 10 mil
Kuranyi - ST - 8 mil
Id like VDV, hes rated 18 mil but he wont come here.
9 Sloop Jon B // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:45
James-
am I missing something in relation to Milner?
He was involved in everything positive about the performance today. Was blowing out his arse at the end, having ran himself into the ground for the team. He is consistently one of our top performers, and is just the sort of player we should retain.
The ref didn’t help at all today- and Bolton lads go down very easily despite being around twice the size of our players!
10 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:49
Signings for Jan and mainly the summer :
LB - Shorey
CB - Van Buyten
RM - Bentley/Navas/Quarasmo
DM - Carrick
CAM - Pato / Diego
ST - Huntaleer / Ashton / Walcott / Robinho
11 DaveToon // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:50
Just got home and I don’t believe what I am seeing posted about the match. If you compare tonights peformance against ANY from the whole of this season up to now this was, ny far, the most entertainging football we have played. Admittedly we didn’t win BUT we gave value for money, deffo.
And James, get rid of Milner?!?!? I ! You are clearly insane! I wish, sometimes, that you could see the age of some of the posters on this blog (and a cracking one it is too, Ed!!!)
12 Gordon d // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:50
KK has identified 3 players he wants to bring in no names mentioned.NUFC official web site
13 DaveToon // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:52
Is it just me or is James taking the proverbial? He seems to know knack all about the match, team or, indeed, game!
14 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:52
Sloopy Jon - He is not a 400 metre sprinter, or someone promised an award for running. He is a right winger. His sole job is to cross the ball into the box as often as possible with quality. He is crap at this. If Shearer was in the team he would punch Milner.
Hard work and endeavor means nothing if he can’t cross the ball.
15 Tom_Toon // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:53
Be realistic James.
Pato is a striker aswell. Carrick in DM is a joke, he cant defend, a good passer from deep, but thats more of a CM and playmakers are usually classed as CAM’s.
16 Sloop Jon B // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:54
Davetoon-
couldn’t agree more!
Full house- apart from about five seats in the south west corner! Ref’s decisions increased the volume and the V signs.
It was refreshing to see our team not trying to ‘nulify the opposition’ and certainly in the second half take the game to them- and for more than the last four minutes!
17 Sloop Jon B // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:56
If Shearer was in the team he would score a hatful from the boy’s crosses!
Shola can’t get in the right positions, and despite being ten foot tall can not head a ball on account of having a head shaped like a fifty pence!
18 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:56
DaveToon - For Us to take on the big boys Keegan has to be ruthless with the squad. Top class quality in all positions.
Rozenhal played very well today. Problem is he will never be needed or used as a midfielder again. His job is a centre back and we all know he isn’t good enough at that. If Keegan kept him as a DM and got rid of Butt then fine. But can’t see Keegan keeping Rozenhal.
As for Milner, I could count on one finger the amount of times he crossed it into the 6 yard box.
19 scottish mag // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:56
heres a list of ppl keegan apparently wants
click
http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=551360
20 Tom_Toon // Jan 19, 2008 at 21:58
Thats 4, he only wants 3 and hes already decided on them.
21 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:03
SWP will be at SJP by the end of the month. Keegan loves him, and he is a very good player. But with him, Nzogbia, Owen, Martins, Defoe (maybe coming) that’s a pretty small bunch of players.
22 Sloop Jon B // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:03
James-
everyone is entitled to an opinion.
Looks like ours is distined to differ about Milner.
Good jobo he can’t cross for toffee though- otherwise he wouldn’t have scored that equaliser at Sunderland!
23 Hadji // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:04
Cana or Pedretti for DM
Quaresma for RW
Kallstrom for LW
VDV for CM
Pandev for CF
Bruno Alves for CB
Alexander Frei for CF
24 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:09
Sloopy Jon - I like Milner and want him to become the player we keep hearing he might be. But the old “he’s got potential” is wearing thin now. Look at how much Nzogbia has improved as a player over the last 18 months. Milner hasn’t changed. He keeps hitting his crosses low straight into the first defender.
He will most likely stay on as a squad player but I guarantee Keegan won’t play him as his main RW next season.
25 hanzemre // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:19
whateva m8 4 da gud o’ NUFC could buy a more quality RM/RW. Milner is usually good but must learn to cross timely to front men.. Ameobi ? Nah he can’t position himself well 4 da cross,always at faults. Forgive Milner anyway.Duff was poor.
26 JS09 // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:25
http://www.nufc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1220102,00.html
27 daiv // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:27
keegan will get it right. He must. We look like relegation material. We were playing Bolton at home and failed to test their goalkeeper. Worried? We should be. We still have the same rubbish players after spending over £100M in last 10 years but what is worrying from the new manager’s perspective is that there was no lift… we got the same flat prformance as we got under Sam. I did not expect that from a Keegan yteam playing its first game at homeIf sam had been the manager, there would have been a demo. I am worried. Kevin cannot work with rubbish. he needs to buy big now. He’s not the sort of manager you want in a relagation fight.
28 Gordon d // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:32
Just watched motd Shearer looks really up for it 99.9% sure he’ll be in that dug out along side KK .
29 Todd // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:47
KK has only been around a couple of days, and had a VERY limited squad to choose from. It’s going to take some time for him to shake off the cautious attitude BSA brought to the team.
Patience, folks. Give the man some time to settle in, assess his squad, and make some changes. Better days are ahead…
30 rubbix // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:48
James are you trippin ? Milner? you muppet !
31 Sloop Jon B // Jan 19, 2008 at 22:53
SWP isn’t the worlds most effective crosser of the ball- shall we spend 15m to get him?
32 Tom_Toon // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:09
Sloop - Milner cant create like SWP, Milner cant wriggle inbetween defenders and pull back etc.
Milner can only run to the by line because he hasnt got the skill to get past the defender, thats why he has to cross, but his crossing is piss poor.
33 ToonKing // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:11
how the hell can u defend Milner like that mates ???? I’m with you on this one James.
Don’t get me wrong i love the boy, he plays for Newcastle United, but did any of you guys watch Owen’s face today ??!! He was making beautiful runs all day and Milner wasn’t able to get a cross in. He didn’t make a bad cross today…………..HE DIDN’T EVEN GET THE BALL IN THE BOX!!!
There was a moment where he had 3 consecutive chances to make a cross, every time he hit the first man and we ended up with a corner.
He had 1, yes 1, good cross today, when he picke out Rozy.
Dribbling around in circles and hitting the first defender with your crosses is not good enough for a winger.
To bad Duff was tits too today, otherwise we may have gotten a few crosses in.
34 Sloop Jon B // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:11
I’m not saying he is a better player than SWP, but I would question selling him.
35 Leo* // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:12
swp is defo worth 15mil. he is an attacking right winger, gets into the box and scores plenty goals. he is fast also, would be good to get him juninho and van buyten*
36 Ashton // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:12
If its true that we have 30 million to spend we should go for :
Clint dempsey - RW for 5 mil
Elmander - CF 10 mil
Nasri - PM 10 mil
Raul albiol - CH 5 mil
and in summer
sell
Martins
Owen
Duff
Milner
Viduka
Shola
Smith
Cacapa
Roz
Butt
Carr
Geremi
for 25 million !
and we have 60 mil to spend in summer acording to i dont know who !
any way buy quality players
Agbonlahor - CF 15 mil
Veloso - DM 20 mil
Menez - LW 10 mil
Barzagli - CH 10 mil
and for 30 million buy backup players
cooool ha
37 Tom_Toon // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:13
I dont rate Milner one bit, but he’d be good back up, so i wouldnt sell him. Lets face it, he will probs never get senior cap, look at the other youngsters in his position, Young, Walcott and Bentley, no competition (maybe v Walcott though).
38 Leo* // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:14
r0zehnal was crap at short passing under pressure, but when he had time to pick out a clever pass he was great. picked a couple beauties
39 Sloop Jon B // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:19
we’re bound to fall into the chelsea trap- players have a standard price, and a newcastle price, which is around 3 to 4m more than they are worth.
agbonlahor would be a decent signing, and i will be watching Tom Toons boys with interest in the african nations cup.
I’m right in thinking that Eduardo was fairly pants 4months ago- but has been played in this season and arsenal are seeing the benefits now.
Our lot get chucked in with each other, hope for the best, and then get shipped out double quick.
More time needed for them to short it out. We don’t have the luxuary that Arsenal do of having an established team, and adding one or two when they are ready.
Are you sure that replacing the entire squad is the way forward?
40 Geordie4life // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:21
has anyone noticed that the amount of time wasting that goes on during the game is ridiculous….is it just me or if the ball goes out for a goal kick on the left side then you take the goal kick from the left side instead of the keeper slowly walking over to the opposite side to take the kick! its not just goal kicks but throw-ins, free-kicks etc, the refs need to clamp down on this and start dishing out yellow cards as its taking the piss!
James,
milner is a quality player and definatly the right type of player for keegan
also Rozenthal was terrible tonight, thought he had is worst game so far, i know he was played out of possition but seemed to lose possetion everytime he got the ball!!
41 Sloop Jon B // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:24
heard that we’re apparently interested in some dude called Robson who plays for Dundee- is 29 and can play across the middle.
Anyone know much about him?
42 Tom_Toon // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:24
There are going to be so many good young players to watch at the african nations cup like Chamakh, Dramani, Omotoyossi etc.
I’d look out for Chermiti as he is pretty god damn good and still plays in Tunisia and can be picked up for peanuts and of course look for Chikhaoui.
43 Ashton // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:32
I’m so F%&ked
44 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:33
Joke of the day for you :
Why did Milner cross the road?
Cause he couldn’t cross the ball so he might as well cross something
45 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:37
Ashton - sell Owen for Clint Dempsey? Are you mad? Clint Dempsey is a good lower half of the league striker. Owen is one of the best finisher’s in the history of English football.
A lot of the Sunday papers are running with the story that in January Keegan will buy 3 players at any price :
Wes Brown
Defoe
Shaun Wright Phillips (who got pretty injured today)
46 ToonKing // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:46
why is he buying Defoe??? he’s no better then Martins and he’s not letting Owen go that fo sure. I’ll believe it when i see it.
47 Tom_Toon // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:48
Chermiti is better than Defoe.
10 mil for Defoe vs 1 mil or less for Chermiti.
No competition. Got to look further a field.
48 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:50
ToonKing - no idea why he would be looking at Defoe. But there’s loads of press about it.
As Shearer said himself tonight on MOTD, Newcastle need an attacking creative central midfielder more than any other player.
49 John H // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:51
owen for clint dempsey
THAT IS SICK
50 John H // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:53
ashton
what have you been taking
51 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:53
Tom Toon - I agree. Problem is Keegan has been out of the game for 3 years. He hasn’t even heard of or seen the European and African players. He only knows the English boys.
I honestly don’t expect Defoe to come here. But the Wes Brown deal is very close to happening, and Keegan has aparently admitted that SWP is first on his list.
52 John H // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:54
swp- would be a great signing
53 Tom_Toon // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:55
Apparently this, apparently that, lets see what happens, i doubt very much he’ll get Wes Brown simply because hes shite and SWP because he just got injured, hopefuly SWP in the summer though.
54 James // Jan 19, 2008 at 23:56
John H - I agree. Whether it is possible in Jan I don’t know. But he will come here in the summer. Keegan loves SWP loads (from Man City days) and will pay whatever Chelsea want for him. Said to be £15 million.
55 John H // Jan 20, 2008 at 0:06
milner is frustrating to watch instead of crossing first time he all ways over does it. and his crossing most of the time is shit.lua lua again showed some grat touches of the ball.
56 Jon // Jan 20, 2008 at 4:07
James - You’re right about Martins missing chances.
What’s interesting though is that Martins is the only one creating chances.
When Martins is not on the team we don’t get any chances like today fx.
and Martins is by the way still our top goal scorer.
Owen is just a lazy bum and Duff sucks and he’s too left footed.
57 AdamCF // Jan 20, 2008 at 4:12
Martins is far better than Owen. He tracks back if need be.. is better off both feet, but is a massive confidence player and BSA killed his (the same way as he did with Given at the start of the season).
58 ObaFan2 // Jan 20, 2008 at 4:33
Keegan has said that he HAS watched football in the last 3 years but not been to a live game, also that he was aware of Newcastle players !
Keegans not daft, he knows we are short now so chancing foreign players isn’t on the cards, seasoned EPL players first (maybe 1 from abroad @ most).
He has 3 that he wants now, SWP, Bridge, Carrick, Dunne, Defoe,Brown and Dunne have all been mentioned in the press.
The press must be able to read his mind I suppose cos KK said that he has to see if the 3 he wants are available so put a load of names in a hat and pick 3 out thats probably gonna be as close as them?
Getting some flair of foreign talent will mainly happen in the summer when KK will be able to bed them into NUFC before the season starts. Imo KK likes a team full of hardworking EPL players then add the special touches in 2 or 3+ positions.
We have Zog who’s special and Duff was great on Wednesday but ran out of steam quickly today. Remember he’s been out for a long time.
Owen can be special, his England record will vouch for that and maybe with better service and midfield his Newcastle goals will start flowing as will Oba’s I hope. Oba is a KK kind of player imo.
Milner needs to cross much better, maybe 1 out of 10 actually passed the 1st defender, KK I’m sure will get the best out of him.
Ideally KK will have 2 players for every position so getting say Bridge in won’t neccesarily mean Enriques out ! etc.
Lualua again impressed and would be good to see more of him in the next 2 gmes.
59 ObaFan2 // Jan 20, 2008 at 4:35
AdamCF, I’ve been saying that about Oba for ages, he had a great pre season then as soon as Owen was semi fit he dropped him…….Nice one BSA!!!!!!
60 Sandy McNair // Jan 20, 2008 at 6:48
I agree with ObaFan2, it has to be proven UK players or it will be 2 season before KK gets going.
I would keep roz in defensive midfield and sell smith and butt, keep faye as reserve.
Would not sell milner, but to me he is only a reserve (sometimes very good, but mostly all puff and little quality) Zogg and Duff for me + another
I would keep Matin over Owen any day of the week. I agree Matrins needs to stop snaching at 1/2 chances and his ration is not good. I think he is going to be a star! I just hope its not with Arsenal!!!
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