UPDATE: Keegan Goes - Newcastle: Keegan not fired as manager of Premier League club

Newcastle United said last night that they wish to retain Kevin Keegan as manager of the Tyneside club, but after a long, uncertain day at St James' Park there was no definitive statement that Keegan remains in his post and the perception is that he has been forced out. It is most unlikely that Keegan will be seen in the Newcastle dugout again.

There is a belief that when Keegan drove off from his Ponteland home, north of Newcastle, yesterday morning, it was to stop off at St James' to verify his departure seven months into his second spell as manager there. It was said that, having pushed Keegan to the brink of resignation, Newcastle realised the consequences within their fanbase – hugely supportive of Keegan – and spent the hours after that trying to talk him around.

NEWCASTLE, England — Newcastle said Kevin Keegan was still its manager Tuesday, ending hours of speculation that he had been fired by the Premier League club.

Keegan raised a "number of issues" in meetings with the board on Monday and Tuesday, but remains part of its long-term strategy, Newcastle said in a statement.

"Newcastle United values the effort and commitment shown by Kevin since his return to St. James' Park and wants him to continue to play an instrumental role as manager of the club," the club said. "For the avoidance of doubt, the club has not sacked Kevin Keegan as manager."