However that simple notion escapes the Newcastle board and today they issued the following statement, that in my opinion embarrasses the club:

“It is a fact Keegan was allowed to manage his duties without any interference,” read the statement.

“It is a fact he agreed not to talk to the media in relation to the acquisition or disposal of players.”

“It is a fact that NUFC is a business and operates, like all businesses, with financial constraints,” the statement continued.

“It is a fact that NUFC’s financial constraints inform its transfer dealings.

“The board of NUFC have responsibility to ensure that the club is able to meet its commitments which include the wages and the transfer fees for players.”

Kevin Keegan responded through vthe League Managers’ Association (LMA).

“At the time at which I joined Newcastle United Football Club it was made very clear to me that I would have the final say on player movement in and out of the club,” it read.

While the club is putting up the front that is looking for a manager and engaging in this ridiculous public nonsense, Sir Bobby Robson commented that “no manager worth his salt is going to take the Newcastle job with the current set-up.” He went on to state:

“The breakdown between the different job titles has left Newcastle in disarray and it is time for Ashley to sort it out.”

“The owner or chairman is the most important person at a football club, the manager is second and everyone else third.

“If a director of football does not have the blessing of the manager, it does not work.”

Newcastle should eliminate this pathetic attempt to win public sentiment and go about finding a suitable replacement. Anything less is transparent and the public will not stand for it.

A statement from the independent Regulatory Commission Chairman Maurice Armstrong said: “Much has been written about Mr Barton over recent months. The Regulatory Commission had the benefit of taking all appropriate information into consideration. The Commission members considered principally the serious attack by Mr Barton that clearly cannot be accepted.

“The members also had to take into consideration the sanctions imposed by the courts and the pro-active support Mr Barton has received from Newcastle United FC and other professional bodies.

“The Commission members wanted to punish the offence appropriately but give Mr Barton an opportunity to ensure his professional conduct does not falter again and ensure he is fully aware of the consequences should he make another serious error of judgement.”

Whilst many thought they were going to do the intelligent thing and show the public the mettle they are made of with a fifteen match deduction, the FA, decided to teach the youth a brand-new message to the children watching the game. This says more then all the public service announcements you can put together and the action of a gutless governing body.

What these leaves us with an empty parade where hopes and dreams towards a upper-mid level table finish are quickly overshadowed with the reality of comfortably avoiding relegation. That’s a fairly foul comment isn’t it and one I had hoped not to make but any club foolish enough to let go James Milner, the U-21 England captain, deserves little more. As a die-hard, and I mean die-hard, supporter of the game I’ve watched more than my share of lower division and non-league matches and once we get to Premier League I am hopeful that those in-charge have the mettle to support a player who is a critical part the future of The Three Lions. Unfortunately Newcastle didn’t and proof of the madness that waifs through the executive branch of the club

I don’t for a second lay blame on Mike Ashley shoulders regarding that situation. He’s dealing with many other issues, most notably plunging sales in his business and shareholders wondering if their stock-price will ever come back. I do however point the finger of guilt towards Dennis Wise and like many who know him or of him, realized the day they hired him trouble would follow.

Newcastle has been in disarray for quite some time if you must know, cleansing part of the coaching support structure and quickly they have amassed a following of older coaches hoping to see them in the Championship. Another foul comment isn’t it but it is the straight truth and one that you won’t see in any news source but fellow coaches, do talk amongst ourselves. That aside, the course of this ship needs to be righted or this season will crumble.

The first step must be in hiring a quality manager, a man of tradition, of honour and distinction. A mature individual who can calm the seas and shape a new course. He needs to be able to command respect with his experience and even his years as he is facing a mutiny. In using those words, none relates to Wise. A talented player that unfortunately never was blessed with maturation and not only has shown argumentative approach that constantly seeks out conflict but one that attempts to conquer situations by dividing loyalties. He has done that in Newcastle and I hate to tell you, it was predictable as he has done that throughout his entire Football career. Equally, the words “loyalty and honour” and he should never be mentioned in the same sentence and if you wish a little insight into that, I’d be happy to tell you of what he did to Leeds last campaign or maybe the grand ol’ days at Chelsea if you wish but simply, he is a bad seed that never matured and should not be the head of the club.

Unfortunately he is well rooted in the structure of Newcastle and when it came down to the choice of either firing Wise or Mr. Keegan, Newcastle management showed their idiocy and let go a loyal man who you and I could be proud of. If management was smart now, they’d clean house and tell their “Executive Director” what Ken Bates should have at the end of 2006 campaign, to move-on. You’re not welcome and are a dis-loyal, disruptive force on a team and you have been since you were a boy.

Unfortunately we all know that isn’t about to happen. Wise will be pushing hard for his former right-hand man, Gustavo Poyet, now with Tottenham to have the job. Gus Poyet is a extremely good coach but unfortunately with him you get Wise and basically that should cross him off the list. While I note additional candidates, I think Gus Poyet effectively has the job as Wise will twist and manipulate the situation to get what he wants just as he has in done.

At this stage, choices will be difficult. Highly regarded, mature coaches will not want to enter this situation and will equally recognize the financial structure of the club is teetering on its edge. Given this many names mentioned are not likely to even consider the situation and more of the media searching for “copy.” My choices would be for experienced men who understand the area and will command respect such as; Terry Venables, David O’Leary, Sam Allardyce, Stuart Pearce (although he has ruled himself out) and the recently freed-up Alan Curbishley. Equally I doubt any of them would take the position with Wise around because they all know his approach and demeanor quite well.

Please let me know your thoughts on who you would like to see lead Newcastle?

He has issued the following statement:

“I’ve been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible.”

“It’s my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.”

He went on to add:

“It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly the supporters.”

“I have been left with no choice other than to leave.”

I went update as further information is made available.

“NEWCASTLE United can confirm that meetings between members of the Board and manager Kevin Keegan were held both yesterday and today.

Kevin has raised a number of issues and those have been discussed with him.

The Club wants to keep progressing with its long-term strategy and would like to stress that Kevin is extremely important, both now and in the future.

Newcastle United values the effort and commitment shown by Kevin since his return to St. James’ Park and wants him to continue to play an instrumental role as manager of the Club.

For the avoidance of doubt the Club has not sacked Kevin Keegan as manager.”

I will update as further information is made available.

The 22-year-old striker La Coruña teammate Fabricio Coloccini who signed with the Magpies in August.

Xisco commented:
“It is a great feeling to be here and to have signed for Newcastle.”

Please note this hasn’t been validated by the club and is speculative in nature. I will provide updates as additional information is made available.

To add to this illustrious match, the violent offender was introduced into the lineup with one minute left. Regardless of the score, at that time, the match became a true embarrassment to Newcastle and those that support the club. I rarely write with regards to these types of matters here, although it is a focus of my career, however the gist of the matter is that I care more about the message of the beautiful game and its impact upon society than the actual score-line. The message this relays to me is deplorable and not a proud moment in my opinion for the club and the sport. The scoreline bothers me but I know the club will improve however this truly soils the clubs name.

Match Details
Scoring
Arsenal Robin Van Persie (pen 18, 41),Denilson (59)

Newcastle
Steven Taylor,Enrique (Sébastien Bassong 44′),Habib Beye (David Edgar 89′),Fabricio Coloccini,Nicky Butt,Danny Guthrie,Jonás Gutiérrez (Violent Offender 89′),Charles N’Zogbia,Michael Owen,Shola Ameobi,

Arsenal
Manuel Almunia,Kolo Toure,Gaël Clichy,Bacary Sagna,William Gallas,Denilson (Alexandre Song 69′),Cesc Fábregas,Emmanuel Eboue (Walcott 72′),Samir Nasri,Robin Van Persie (Carlos Vela 63′),Emmanuel Adebayor,

Recent Form
Newcastle - combined (1 W, 1 D, 0 L) (2 GS, 1 GA)
Aug 17 Manchester United 1 - 1 Newcastle
Aug 23 Newcastle 1 - 0 Bolton

Arsenal - combined (1 W, 0 D, 1 L) (1 GS, 1 GA)
Aug 16 Arsenal 1 - 0 West Brom
Aug 23 Fulham 1 - 0 Arsenal

Both clubs are coming off mid-week matches. Arsenal sent Steve McClaren and his umbrella back to Twente with a 4-0 dismantling that had you pleading to stop by blood-letting while Newcastle was simply lucky not to be scalping by Chris “doesn’t care about Wales” Coleman’s Coventry City in squeezing out a 3-2 victory. Clearly Arsenal has greater momentum but I wouldn’t overstate this issue.

Injuries
Arsenal: William Gallas and Theo Walcott are “concerns” but Arsene Wenger is “optimistic” they’ll play. For those of us, looking for factual information without the clatter, that means probable.

Newcastle: Obafemi Martins is out. Damien Duff is doubtful. Michael Owen will get the nod and violent offender, otherwise known as Joey Barton, is included in the lineup.

General Summary
Newcastle has not defeated a “big four” club in its last eleven matches and they haven’t defeated Arsenal at home since December 2001. Equally Emirates is a fortress for the Gunners as they haven’t lost in twenty-four matches. They should have Cesc Fabregas available as well as new signing, Mikaël Silvestre available which is particularly troubling for Newcastle as Cesc has made a meal out of the Magpies in the past.

I will report on the match as it concludes.