Barney 0 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Oba’s pledge to back new boss Jan 22 2008 by Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle OBA MARTINS has revealed he is looking forward to working with Kevin Keegan when he returns from the African Cup of Nations. Oba Martins The Nigerian was subbed with 11 minutes left of his country’s group opener against Ivory Coast last night with Chelsea star Salomon Kalou, who netted a controversial winner against the Magpies last month, inflicting more pain on the United striker after weaving his way through the Super Eagles defence to net a classy winner. Martins will next be in action on Friday against Freddy Kanoute’s Mali, who beat Benin 1-0 last night as the former West Ham and Spurs man slotted home the winner from the spot. But reflecting on the situation back home on Tyneside, United’s seven-goal top scorer Martins said today: “Keegan is a symbol in Newcastle. “I do not know him as a coach although people in Newcastle have always spoken very highly of him. “The Allardyce sacking surprised me because I did not think that we were in a critical situation, but the decision was influenced by a string of bad results. And when that happens it is the manager who pays for it with his job. “Keegan knows the Premier League well so I think he is the right man for the job. “I have heard about the option of Alan Shearer returning, but the players do not have a say on this. It is up to the board. I just want what is best for the club. “I believe Newcastle have the players to fight for a place in the Uefa Cup and not worry about relegation. “It is difficult for me not to be there at this tough time but I think people understand that it is important for me to play for my country.” Meanwhile Newcastle midfielder Geremi will take on the holders Egypt tonight in Kumasi, (5pm), while Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye prepare to take Tunisia tomorrow, (5pm). Geremi says: “We are coming into this competition as one of the favourites. “We know that it’s not going to be easy, but we will fight for that.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snakehips 0 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Music to Gemmill's ears Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom 14021 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 It probably went more like this : Oba how do you feel about the return of Keegan, it's seems to have a very positive effect on the Atmopshere of the fans in general and some media sources are claiming it to the 'the return of the messiah or ''the second coming'' do you think life will be successful under Keegan and how much will you back your new manager? Oba :...yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo 175 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 It probably went more like this : Oba how do you feel about the return of Keegan, it's seems to have a very positive effect on the Atmopshere of the fans in general and some media sources are claiming it to the 'the return of the messiah or ''the second coming'' do you think life will be successful under Keegan and how much will you back your new manager? Oba :...yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 He always says the right things like. Just needs to start doing them now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 He always says the right things like. Just needs to start doing them now And blinking, I reckon that's why he's first touch is sometimes so off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney 0 Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 King Kev: I've Told Stars To Earn Geordie BackingBy Craig Hope KEVIN Keegan has told his players that they will receive a rapturous Geordie welcome before every game should they show the Toon Army how much the club means to them. The Magpies were met with a cauldron of black and white noise on Saturday evening as King Kev was given a roof-raising reception on his return to Tyneside. And, while the new United boss accepts that it was circumstance which helped generate that atmosphere inside St.James', he has now challenged his players to give the Toon followers something to shout about every week. "It was special for me before the Bolton game and I tried to put a reality check on it, but you can't help but enjoy things like that," Keegan told Newcastle World TV. "You enjoy it for the fans and the players more than anything else. "I said to the players - 'That's how it's going to be every week if you start to play like a team that really wants to go places and if you start to show them that this club means everything to you'. "It's a great thing for the players because some of them have not heard the atmosphere like that. "They have heard them not being happy and rightly so having a go in certain matches. "But if we give the fans want they want - and that's entertainment and commitment - then they'll be right behind you every week." United were held to a goalless draw by Gary Megson's Trotters and Keegan feels that the result only served to highlight the Magpies' need to strengthen. "Had we won by three or four it would have masked over where we really are at the moment," he added. "We are a small squad but we are a quality squad. We need a few players in and a few players back. "I want to bring three players in, no more, I know who I would like but we'll have to see if they are available. "I will only bring in players which strengthen the squad but when you look at the quality we have that will be difficult." Make sure you hear of a Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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