Newcastle United have hit back at allegations against the way in which they treated recently departed manager Kevin Keegan...

The club legend resigned from his position for the second time in his career after less than a year in charge, with club owner Mike Ashley and the board receiving heavy criticism from fans and media throughout the country.

Keegan was thought to have been undermined in transfer dealings, but the Magpies hierarchy have moved to suggest that they did nothing untoward and that Keegan was informed on and gave approval to all actions taken by the club.

"NUFC wished, at all times, to keep any dispute that it had with Kevin Keegan private," read a club statement.

"It is therefore disappointing that information has reached the media through unnamed sources and a briefing has been given by the League Managers Association that could give rise to a misleading impression amongst the Club's fans.

"Newcastle United have no desire to engage in a war of words but inaccurate reporting of factual matters and inaccurate allegations have to be corrected.

"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan, on appointment on 16th January 2008, agreed to report to a Director of Football and to the Board.

"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan worked within that structure from 16th January 2008 until his resignation.

"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan, as manager, had specific duties in that he was responsible for the training, coaching, selection and motivation of the Team.

"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan was allowed to manage his specific duties without any interference from any Board member.

"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan agreed only to deal with the media in relation to Club matters relating to the Team and not to communicate with 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.

"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.

"The structure at NUFC is clear, and has been clear from 16th January 2008. "

However, Keegan himself replied through the League Managers' Association, intimating that the director of football, Dennis Wise, had been forced upon him and was not agreed upon his appointment as manager just days before the recruitment of Wise. "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."

bad for newcastle the club just started a good season and every thing was settled down, now they have problems and this could lead to bad results

smartest shit i read from a newcastle fan
there was a fan holdin a banner sayin
"Mike Asley aint Wise"
and this points out both Mike Ashley n Dennis Wise