Kevin Keegan has finally confirmed his resignation as manager of Newcastle United.
The news ends three days of intense speculation at St James' Park, with Keegan's
relationship with the club's hierarchy understood to have broken down
irreparably over the club's transfer policy.
The 57-year-old issued a statement via the League Manager's Association on Thursday evening, announcing his departure from the club.
He said: 'I’ve been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible.
'It’s my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.
'It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly the supporters. I have been left with no choice other than to leave.'
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: 'The LMA has been supporting Kevin during a very difficult period. We share his great disappointment and frustration that the situation could not be resolved.'
Keegan, who returned to the club for a second spell in charge in January, had
not taken training since the transfer window closed.
No comment has yet been made by Newcastle.
