KEVIN'S RANT-I'D LOVE IT, NOT!

Today there has been much consideration for Newcastle United's relegation from the Premier League and the future security of Rapha Benitez as manager. Why would somebody with his pedigree want to lead a side in the challenging Championship? 20 years ago, another Newcastle manager had much to consider as the season came to its conclusion.

In the Spring 1995-6, Kevin Keegan let out his famous rant when interviewed on TV after his Newcastle team had surrendered a 12 point advantage in January to Manchester United. Alex Ferguson's team whittled down the lead to overtake Keegan and the Toon, eventually winning the division by 4 points.

Ferguson, always mind bending, suggested that in the "run  in" teams would not play as hard against Keegan's Toon as they would against his "famous" team. He caught Kev on a bad day even after his team had just won away at Leeds 1-0.

Newcastle had been promoted to the Premier League in 1992-3 and had come 3rd in 1993-4, the club's highest position since 1927. Keegan had worked miracles, returning to his club as a hero and he was hoping to crown all this with a Premier League title.

By March Manchester United beat Newcastle 1-0 with Peter Schmeichel playing a blinder and Cantona scoring the winner. The bubble had burst and by the end of April the title was all but lost, the Magpies eventually finishing 4 points behind Manchester.

Poor Keegan,overcome by emotion, let himself go in the TV interview after a victory at Leeds 1-0 on April 29th. This will go down in PL history as one of the more extraordinary interviews.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yenzdq5g6o
Ferguson and his team won the title and Keegan, even after signing Alan Shearer, resigned in January 1997.


For more magical moments have a look at this lot.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3538038/Kevin-Keegans-meltdown-on-TV-voted-the-best-manager-moment-of-madness.html