 KEVIN KEEGAN finally decided to walk out on Newcastle United after yet another disagreement with the club over their transfer policy. That’s the news The Chronicle can reveal today. For our information is that United were still trying to sell Michael Owen to Spurs at 10pm on Monday night – just two hours before the transfer deadline. And as far as players coming in are concerned, of the six recruits only one – Danny Guthrie – was a player on Keegan’s list. He certainly made it clear that he was not interested in the signing of Spanish Under-21 international Xisco. And when director of football Dennis Wise told him that he wanted to sign the Deportivo La Coruna striker Xisco, Keegan said no because his priority was a left-back. But it was too late because Xisco was already enhoused in a Tyneside hotel. The Chronicle reported yesterday that club owner Mike Ashley was left with a straight choice – Keegan or Wise. And we suggested Ashley has always been loyal to his pals. As a result Keegan’s resignation can only mean one thing – Ashley chose Wise. The United owner must now face the consequences both on and off the field. Keegan’s trusty lieutenant Terry McDermott, who laughs himself at his nickname of Black Box, and reserve-team coach Adam Sadler will be wondering if they have any future at St James’s Park. But Chris Hughton, who arrived with the title of assistant manager, will still have a part to play and will probably take charge of team affairs until a new manager or coach arrives. When the dust settles and the figures are totted up for the summer transfer window it will be easy to see why Keegan has been so annoyed. For while most of United’s transfers have come into the “undisclosed fee” bracket it seems that United have actually made a profit of £1.65m on their deals. This is in direct contrast to 15 of the other Premier League teams who have all spent more than they have clawed in. Meanwhile, the first United person to suffer from the departure of Keegan could well be Joey Barton. Keegan had promised to stand at Barton’s shoulder when he faced the Football Association today for his attack on Ousmane Dabo in their time together at Manchester City. I believe that Keegan’s testimony would have helped Barton because of his standing in the game, but now the controversial midfielder must wait for his punishment. | 
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