EXCLUSIVE: Toon chief blasts heroes Shearer and Keegan in foul-mouthed rant
By Brian McNally, Mirror Football, 12 November 2011
Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias stunned Toon Army fans by unleashing an astonising, foul-mouthed rant in public on Geordie icons Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan.
The former casino boss who virtually never gives media interviews delivered a withering condemnation on the managerial abilities of the Magpies legends in front of startled onlookers in a Newcastle gastro bar.
Llambias, who along with Toon owner Mike Ashley has enraged Toon fans by re-branding historic St. James’ Park as the Sports Direct Arena, blamed Shearer for Newcastle’s 2009 relegation and claimed there “will never be a right time” for the former England skipper in management.
And in a blistering broadside aimed at Keegan, the Magpies MD claimed the former England boss is unable to cope with the stresses and strains of management.
Llambias railed: “Kevin Keegan can’t take pressure. His f****** head is all over the place.”
He also made a shocking claim in a meeting with fans last month that Keegan’s second coming as Newcastle manager in 2008 came about because he was the preferred choice of potential Arab buyers. He revealed: “Mike (Ashley) was selling to the Arabs and they wanted Kevin Keegan.
“The Arabs wanted him, the fans wanted him — perfect!”
A candid Llambias admitted he was at fault for recruiting Shearer as manager in April 2009 when Newcastle were battling to avoid the drop.
Llambias said: “Shearer was my choice and I have to hold up my hands — the wrong choice.”
Referring to the relegation battle and the managerial team of Shearer and Iain Dowie, he claimed: “Shearer, for this, destroys us. He gave all the responsibility to Dowie. Rubbish!”
A supporter suggests “It wasn’t the right time” for Shearer. Llambias responded brusquely, and said: “It would never be the right time. Shearer? There would never be a right time in football.”
When one of the onlookers suggested Shearer is arrogant, Llambias agreed and said: “You guys have given him that arrogance.”
What will perplex Newcastle fans about Llambias’ put-down of the Geordie hero is the fact that days after relegation, Ashley issued a statement in which he said: “Bringing Alan Shearer back to Newcastle United was the best decision I have made.”
Chris Hughton succeeded Shearer as manager and led Toon back into the top flight at the first attempt as champions (below, left).
Hughton was sacked by Newcastle a year ago, and is now manager of Birmingham.
He was also in the Llambias line of fire when one of the group asked why he was dismissed.
Llambias responded: “He would never have taken us where we want to be.
“That’s my decision by the way.
“Chris can’t make decisions. If I am asking about a player, Ben Arfa? he says ‘I’m not sure, blah blah’.
“With Chris, he couldn’t cope with where we are mentally. We are aggressive.
“You need to be aggressive. I don’t want a manager below me who can’t argue.”
But of all the colourful claims made by Llambias perhaps the one that will not be disputed by Toon fans is: “You guys don’t understand how f****** horrible we can be.”
After last week’s act of soccer sacrilege at St. James’ Park, many Geordies believe they understand only too well.
Newcastle declined to comment last night.
Nufcmismanagement view:
Nice history re-write Derek.
So the Arabs wanted Keegan, if that was the case, why did we go after Harry Redknapp before going for Keegan? The answer is that once again your mouth is running before your brain and you weren't even at the club at that time. Chris Mort was Chairman and it was Mort who approached Keegan. If this doesn't fit with your line then I suggest that you re-read the findings of the Keegan Tribunal.
As for “You guys don’t nderstand how f****** horrible we can be.” Quotes like that take me back to my childhood days on the School playground, grow up.