Magpies told to sort out problems as hunt begins for new boss

League Managers' Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan on Friday called on Newcastle to sort out their structural problems to ensure their next manager does not suffer the same fate as Kevin Keegan.

Keegan on Thursday resigned from the crisis-hit English Premier League side after falling out with the board over transfer policy.

And the 57-year-old former England boss may now be liable to pay two million pounds (3.5 million dollars) compensation for walking just eight months into a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Fans have been quick to blame owner Mike Ashley and Dennis Wise, who was installed as executive director after Keegan's appointment in January.

The club are now looking for their sixth manager in four years and Bevan believes the next man who takes over must have his role clearly defined.

“Newcastle failed to create a structure where Kevin Keegan could flourish,” said Bevan.

“It was like having an orchestra with three conductors and sooner or later it was going to break down.”

“I think I would have liked to hear Newcastle talking about how to build a model that works, how they are going to create a clear chain of command,” he said.

“The dispute between Kevin and the club is in the hands of the lawyers but at no time in our discussions did Kevin talk about compensation.

“The most important thing for Kevin was that the manager must have the right to manage.

“A couple of nights ago I was with Kevin for a long period of time and his sole focus was with the fans.

“He was torn and when he had no alternative to resign his thoughts were for the fans. That sends a message to Newcastle.”

Bevan said he was not opposed to the continental approach – which is increasingly being employed at English clubs – where one man coaches the team and player recruitment is left to an official at boardroom level.

What he did object to, however, was a change in structure having already employed the manager.

“I've heard a few people saying the continental model doesn't work but I think it does in certain situations,” Bevan said.

“It is different for Kevin because he was in charge before other people came on board.

“The next person who comes on board has to make sure there is a clear chain of command and there are shared goals.”

Among the names being touted as Keegan's possible successors are Everton boss David Moyes, former Juventus coach Didier Deschamps, and Gus Poyet, currently assistant manager at Tottenham, and the bookmakers' early favourite.

Deschamps, who has also coached Monaco and has previously declared his interest in a job in the Premier League, would fit the club's continental coaching structure. The Frenchman is also a former Chelsea teammate of Wise.