Makes a nice change from discussing whether TSM was as bad as Gullit! We all know what Keegan did for the Toon and Bobby has saved us from a fate worse (almost) than being born a Makem. However, I can't help thinking that with the resources KK was given to chuck around, YBR would have won stuff, not least because none of Ferguson's head games would have got to him. Whether he'd have bought the wonderful players we saw under KK is another matter. YBR has won things in four countries and taken England to being a penalty shoot out away from another World Cup Final. KK has won nothing but has performed miracles at the clubs he's managed. Views?

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

Answers

Different managers for different times methinks. The fabled telephone call between John Hall and KK 'there's only two people in the world who can save Newcastle United and they're speaking on the phone now' was a sign of desperate measures in desperate times. KK did what had to be done then, and did it spectacularly well.

He genuinely felt he'd done all he could when he went, based on how things had changed since he arrived. We'd all have dearly loved Cuddly Uncle Bob to take over then; my feeling is that we would have won stuff immediately after KK went had that happened.

As for YBR's signings and influences, you only have to listen to the players who cite him as the biggest influence on their careers; as England manager, Pedro and Lineker, current players, Ronaldo, the De Boers, Figo....others bubbling under that he signed as kids ; De Bilde (who I reckon would be worth a gamble for a couple of million when Wednesday get relegated), Bolton's Gudjohnsen, oh and that van Nistelrooy bloke.

If anyone finds the elixir of youth, you know where to send it.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

While KK's contribution can never be forgotten, he gave us some of the most entertaining and exciting football we had seen for years,he did bottle out under pressure and walked when he thought he could do no more. YBR is a class apart from any of our previous managers. He arrived, as did KK when we were at a very low ebb and lifted what was a totally demoralised squad and turned around our season. Had he been in charge from the beginnig of the sason I have no doubt we would be up there challenging for a Champions League place. We may not be as strong in depth as Newton Heath and one or two other clubs but YBR is getting us there. Next season is a fascinating prospect, I know its been said before on other BBS but I really believe that next season will be our year.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

This is a bit like asking whether you prefer God or Jesus isn't it?

>>>>with the resources KK was given to chuck around

KK did not "chuck resources around". He invested brilliantly, and left behind a squad worth much more than he paid. This is the kind of language much beloved by the right wing press. Whenever anything resembling a socialist solution to a problem is proposed, the accusation is that "money is being thrown" at the problem. The word "investment" is never mentioned.

It is very important not to fall into such linguistic traps when attempting sensible debate of an issue.

KK vs YBR? Too early to say. KK is ahead so far but was there longer. YBR is off to a great start and has a chance of outdoing the man he should have succeeded when TSM came. Next season, YBR's first full season, should tell us a lot.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

Jonno, It is unlikely that any manager will be given the money Keegan got: NUFC was a licence to print money back then. That is what I meant ((-: ps. is your e mail working?

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

I agree with Jonno's analysis...

I seriously hope that YBR can get rid of some of the dross in the squad and get in the players that he wants.....it's a shame that he can't have unlimited cash cos the we would really be able to see what he can do.....

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

Have to side with Jonno but would question the Messiah's move to disband the youth team etc. A sad sad loss considering the cost of players on the open market today.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

Erm.. Keegan did not disband the youth teams. If SJ Hall had his way YBR would have filled KK shoes and the transition would have been a fine one. He would have took over a winning side, not just a side with the potential to win games. I have a lot of confidence in Robson but I cannot see it coming together until the season after next for us, unless of course we collect the League Cup or summat. (Intertoto would be a start). The reason I think it will take that long is the fact that he has not got the financial muscle to bring in the best, I think it will cost a bomb to build strengthen our side. We need another top notch keeper, a central midfielder who can both tackle and pass in the same game, dare I say a third striker.
We've got away lightly this season with Shearer staying virtually injury free *touch wood. But Ferguson is a worry, I love him in our side but he is hardly in it. How long can we afford to persevere with his absences.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

I adore Kevin Keegan! He is my all time most favouritist person in football! He is a super hero to me!

BUT, better manager for NUFC? `Wor Bobby - no doubts at all! (:o)

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

I loved the footy under KK, it was a magic couple of seasons. However, KK dropped a huge bollox in disbanding the stiffs.
Hence, when he up and left Dogbreath needed to address this weakness and made a stupid arse of it, spent millions on tw*ts, took his eye off the all important first team and got sacked.(I was delighted on the day of Dogbreath's signing)
The dreaded one came in made a complete pig's ear of things, spent millions on tw*ts and got sacked.(I was delighted on the day of the dreaded one's signing inaal.
To have success today a large squad of top international players is required, KK tried hell for leather to win the Prem in 95 -96, it was exciting but the whole club was built on shifting sands. YBR in comparision will try to build a more solid foundation I feel. Bob needs new players to bring success, I for one have great confidence in him, there is no other manager in the world for NUFC for me.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

Too early to say. Given KK's first season and YBR's, both brought us back from the brink, so it's even in my eyes. However, KK did wonders in his subsequent seasons. Whether YBR will be around for as long, or whether he can outperform KK in a shorter period remains to be seen. I hope he does!!

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000