Kevin Keegan tells Newcastle fans to support club despite 'nightmare' | OneFootball

However, that dream turned into a nightmare that led to Keegan leaving the club just eight months after returning for his second managerial stint.

Keegan even sued the club and won a case claiming constructive dismissal. He was awarded a total of €3.5m in damages and attorney fees.

Keegan’s gripe with Newcastle has lasted for over a decade now, and he feels that the situation won’t improve until owner Mike Ashley leaves the club.

“I think everybody knows it’s not good,” Keegan told BBC Radio 5Live when asked about his current relationship with the club.

“When I went back to manage [at Newcastle] it seemed like the ideal situation.

“I was going back to a club I know; we had a man in change I thought who had money to spend, which it is no secret in football now [that funds bring success].

“Man City are where they are because of that, Man United have been where they have been because of that. They’ve spent big, big money.

“I knew what the fans wanted, I knew the club and, with that man in charge, we thought we had money to spend, so it looked like a real dream ticket.

“But it was a nightmare – and the nightmare has continued for 10 years now if you’re a Newcastle fan.”

Despite his difficult relationship with the club, Keegan has asked the fans to stand behind the club.

“It’s been a difficult, difficult time for them because it is a special club. All clubs are special, but it’s special in a different way, Newcastle; it’s a one-club city and it means so much more.”

“We get 51,000 at Newcastle because the fans are all living in the area; and, if they aren’t, they’re all coming back from London. They’re Geordies coming home.

“I get why they won’t boycott games. I wouldn’t if I was them – because why should they? After a bad result on a Saturday, they’re immediately thinking: ‘I might boycott the game.’

“But by Monday they’re thinking, ‘What am I going to do next Saturday (if I don’t go to the game)?’ And by Wednesday there’s only one place they’re going that Saturday, and it’s back to St James’ Park.”

“It’s a difficult time, but they have to hang in there because the club will be there when he’s (Ashley) is gone.

“Newcastle United is bigger than anyone. It hurts I know, but just keep going. He is only one man; we are a city, a whole population. Trust me.”