Messiah: Promised deliverer (Oxford Dictionary)
The King may have returned to St James’ Park but the jewels are not shining in the Messiah’s crown. Did Kevin Keegan believe that Newcastle were one attacking display away from a goal-fest of yesteryear? If he did, he was sadly deluded.
The sleeping giant of the north-east has never been in such a deep coma. True, they possess a defence resembling Humpty Dumpty’s wall but they are also blessed with players of international quality. The likes of Michael Owen, Alan Smith, Obafemi Martins, Nicky Butt, Mark Viduka, Damien Duff and James Milner have the so-called “X Factor”
And yet they find themselves in a team that under new leadership can find no fresh inspiration. Keegan prides himself on being an excellent man motivator. He is credited for improving and polishing the careers of many good professionals – just ask Rob Lee how the ex-England boss revived his fortunes and you will be greeted by the overwhelming sense of gratitude he feels.
Why then is King Kev still searching for his first win after eight failed attempts? The overriding feeling coming out from the club is that there is a lack of confidence within the team. Individual errors are an unfortunate but inevitable part of the game. A team can either collectively recover from it, exhibiting unity, strength and determination or allow it to affect every part of their game, disband and jump overboard. The Magpies are doing the latter.
Keegan must throw his team the rubber dingy and quick, before they sink to the Championship.
Perhaps this will help…
