Keegan Returns to Call the Toon on Tyneside
Kevin Keegan’s shock return to Newcastle United on Wednesday, elevates the weekend’s game against Bolton – an otherwise fairly unappealing fixture – to top billing on the Premiership fixture list. During his previous stint at the club, Keegan famously saw his side relinquish a 12 point in the title race, handing the title to United. That is the closest Geordies have come to heaven in the club’s recent history, and it appears that owner, Mike Ashley, has faith in Keegan’s personality and charisma, which he hopes will be translated onto the pitch.
Keegan moved from Newcastle to Fulham, England and then Man City, after which he stated that nothing would tempt him back into football management. Some see as his appointment of the ex-European Player of the Year as the heart ruling the head at Newcastle, but Keegan’s presence on Wednesday night inspired the Magpies to a 4-1 FA Cup win over Stoke. Saturday evening’s game against Bolton now assumes greater significance, which is probably bad news for the Trotters. They have lost four of their last five games, are without an away win all season and their star striker – Nicolas Anelka – has gone to Chelsea, so the heightened atmosphere at an expectant St.James Park will make it difficult for Wanderers to end that poor run.
PinnacleSports make Newcastle favourites 1.980 (-0.5) with Bolton 1.943 (+0.5).
For the best LIVE online bookmaker odds, check out BookieLabRat.com here.
Add comment January 18th, 2008
Saturday’s game at the Madejski Stadium between Reading and Manchester United looks as close as you can get for a banker for goals. The Royals have the worst defensive record in the Premiership (joint with Derby) while no club has scored more goals than the visitors. The Red Devils gave their goal-scoring tally a healthy boost last weekend, smashing six second half goals past hapless Newcastle, with Cristiano Ronaldo – the division’s top scorer – bagging his first hat-trick for the club.