Second Coming for Keegan

St James' Park is preparing for a second coming after Newcastle this afternoon announced that Kevin Keegan is to become the club's new manager.

In an official statement that was as short as it was sensational, the club announced: "Geordie messiah to return - Kevin Keegan is returning to Newcastle United as manager".

Keegan, 56, has been out of football since stepping down as Manchester City boss three years ago but that obviously does not trouble club owner Mike Ashley, who's clearly aware that the former England international had been out of the game for eight years before becoming Newcastle manager in 1992 and immediately guiding them to promotion to the Premier League. Two years later they finished second after topping the table for much of the season.

Setting a pattern for his subsequent managerial stints, including with England, Keegan resigned in 1997, suggesting he could take the team no farther. They were fourth at the time. In total, Keegan presided over 251 matches that yielded 138 wins, 51 draws and 62 defeats. Recently he said he had no desire to get back into management, but the lure of a return to Tyneside, where he also enjoyed a highly successful final two years to his playing career, has proved too strong.

The feel good factor generated among Newcastle fans, who'd been rendered uncharacteristically morose by the blunt brand of football purveyed so far this season by Keegan's predecessor, Sam Allardyce, is sure to be instantaneous. Not only did Keegan achieve positive results, he did so with an exhilarating attacking style that thrilled the club's fans and made Newcastle one of the most admired club in the country. He remained at the club for five years and, with recruits such as David Ginola and Tino Asprilla, brought if not trophies, then abundant joy.

There has been no indication yet as to who his assistant will be.