Sir Alex re-opens mind games with old rival Keegan
Red & White Army
By Chris O'Brien
January 31 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson has started the psychological mind games with old rival Kevin Keegan - questioning his decision to return to the hot-seat at St. James' Park. After a spell in the wilderness, Keegan has returned to management with Newcastle. He took the Toon into the top flight in 1993 and came close to winning the title the following year before the pressure finally got to him.
Keegan and Ferguson enjoyed an infamous rivalry when Newcastle were battling it out with the Red Devils for the league title way back in 1994.
Newcastle blew a 12-point lead at the top of the table and ended up finishing second. The Barcodes were still in the chase after a hard-fought win over Leeds as the season drew to an end - but you sensed Keegan lacked belief as he delivered the most famous rant in Premier League history:
"When you do that with footballers like he said about Leeds; and when you do things like that about a man like Stuart Pearce. I'm I, I, I've kept really quiet, but I'll tell you something: he went down in my estimation when he said that - we have not resorted to that. But I'll tell ya - you can tell him now, he'll be watching it - we're still fighting for this title, and he's got to go to Middlesbrough and get something, and... and I'll tell you honestly, I will love it if we beat them - LOVE IT!
Ferguson appears to have opened up the war of the words once again by suggesting that Keegan has made a mistake in returning to Tyneside.
"I welcome any new challenge, but of course Kevin has a big challenge for himself up there to get Newcastle back in a strong position." said Sir Alex.
"Sometimes it is wrong to go back to a club for a second spell, but there are examples of managers doing it and having relative success, but no outstanding success, so I will be interested to see how he copes with it."
So far, Sir Alex seems to be correct. Keegan has been at the helm for three matches - boasting a grim record of one draw and two defeats without a single goal scored. Was it a mistake for the ex-England boss to go back? Have your say on the messageboard.