Keegan back at City helm

Manchester City have confirmed manager Kevin Keegan is expected to take training tomorrow following his recent back problems.

Keegan has missed four successive draws since having a cortisone injection to ease inflammation in his spine and an attempted comeback seven days ago had to be aborted after he aggravated the problem on a walk near his north-east home.

However, after another week’s complete rest, the former England coach will travel down to Manchester today and should be on the club’s Carrington training ground taking charge of affairs ahead of Saturday’s Premiership clash with Southampton at Eastlands.

Keegan’s return could not be better timed. In his absence, City have slumped to within two points of the drop zone and only Leeds’ failure to beat Everton at Elland Road last night prevented that gap from being wiped out completely.

With just two victories from 23 Premiership games, City fans fear a repeat of the ill-fated 1982/83 campaign in which City were relegated even though they spent only 10 minutes of the entire season in the drop zone.

Unfortunately, they were the 10 minutes that mattered as Raddy Antic scored the famous goal for Luton at Maine Road that ensured the Hatters’ survived at City’s expense.

Chairman John Wardle has insisted the Blues have contingency plans should they drop into the Nationwide League but there is little doubt it would pile huge financial pressure on a club whose debt levels are thought to be approaching £60m (€90.0m).