Keegan return is one to remember - Barton

Former Newcastle defender Warren Barton believes the return of Kevin Keegan makes 2007-08 “a season to remember”.

Keegan was confirmed as the Magpies’ new manager this afternoon, returning to the club he managed from 1992 to 1997.

The Magpies languish in the bottom half of the Premier League table, just six points above the relegation zone.

But Barton said: “It’s a season to remember already – he’s come back.

“A UEFA Cup spot is a possibility. If I was in the dressing room and he walked in, that would give me a lift.

“The players have got to respond – there is quality in that team.”

The right-back, who joined the Magpies from Wimbledon, continued on Sky Sports News “Since Bobby Robson, the managers haven’t realised what the club is about.

“But Kevin will know what it means – he’ll have learnt from his time at England, Fulham and Manchester City and it’s fantastic news for the club.

“The players will love playing for him as we all did – it’s just what (owner) Mike Ashley and (chairman) Chris Mort and everyone at Newcastle needed. It’s great for the club.”

Barton continued: "He'll bring enthusiasm and desire, he knew what the area needed and what the fans expected.

“You’d listen to his team talk and he could motivate people. People will say he’s not been in the game for a few years but he’s got a big personality and enthusiasm and he knows the game – that’s his strongest point.

Newcastle had a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League in 1996 but were overhauled by Manchester United, with critics blaming Keegan’s brand of attacking football for the failure to land the title.

And Barton explained on Sky Sports News: “People work hard and want to be entertained and he’ll give the fans a great lift, although I hope he might be more tactically aware.

“He may have got older and greater but he’s still got great style and charisma about him.

“He might play 4-4-2 and get some service for Michael Owen and Mark Viduka - but he’ll give the players a great lift.

“His man-management is a key point. He knows the area, will speak to the fans and the people up there and lift the whole club.

“There is enough quality in that squad – he just has to get the best out of the players.

“He needs to add and he will – he got Philippe Albert and David Ginola from nowhere.”

Another former Magpies defender Bobby Moncur, who played for the team in the 1960s and 70s, said: ``It's a bit of a shock and a very nice surprise.

“Initially Alan Shearer was in the frame but I didn’t honestly think Kevin would come back.

“But I’m delighted he’s coming back because we need a big man – someone to lift the whole place. Kevin is the man to do just that.

“He was the Messiah when he came here – they were everyone’s second-best loved team with the football they played with players like Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Peter Beardsley.

“The fans have been wanting to get back to the Kevin Keegan days. It’s always more difficult second time around but Kevin feels he can do that.

“I don’t think the type of player who was around in the 1980s is around now and although it may be a little bit harder it’s a great appointment – I can’t think of anyone better who will give the club a lift.

“Instead of looking towards tonight’s FA Cup tie against Stoke thinking ’will we get a result here?’ I think there will be a carnival atmosphere.

“Some of the players have to take responsibility for Sam Allardyce’s sacking.

“But Kevin has wonderful man-management skills. He’ll get them playing.”

There has been speculation that Alan Shearer may work alongside Keegan but Moncur, who also played for neighbours Sunderland, said: “I’m not sure they could share the limelight – they are both big men in their own right so I’m not sure it will happen.

“But Kevin’s appointment will make Mike Ashley tremendously popular.

“We were getting battered from one day to another but now he has gone out and got Kevin Keegan – that wipes the slate clean, as far as I’m concerned.”