Keegan Praises Newcastle Youth Team

New Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has praised the Newcastle United youth squad.

Keegan has been paying plenty of attention to the youth squad, following the first team’s recent misfortune. He has recently watched two reserve games and a full-scale practice match at St James’s Park and was pleased at the youngster’s performances, particularly those from David Edgar, Tamas Kadar and Andy Carroll. He said: “There have been some really good performances. I first watched the reserves at North Shields a couple of weeks ago and was impressed. On a tough night they put in a performance against a side who were totally committed to beating them. I have been pleased with that.”

Now enjoying his third stint at St James’s Park, Keegan has a history of giving youth players their big break with the Toon Army first team. During his first time as manager, Keegan famously gave Steve Watson, Alan Neilson, Robbie Elliott, Chris Holland and many other youth players a chance. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he has already hinted that some of the youth squad’s current rising stars may soon get their time to shine in the first team. He said: “At some stage we will be looking at the younger players (for the first team), but only when the time is right.”

However, Keegan has also spoken of the difficulty in securing the best youth players – who are often lured away by the four biggest football teams. He believes Newcastle United have to compete with these bigger teams in order to obtain the cream of young footballing talent. Keegan said: “The reason that other clubs are getting good kids is that they are competing, paying compensation. We haven't been able to compete on a level playing field with bigger clubs.”

Keegan played for Newcastle United until 1984 and joined them as a manager for a successful five-year period. He rejoined the Toon Army for a third spell in January 2008 and his appointment was a popular decision with Newcastle United fans. Keegan believes his connection with the club made him such a hit with supporters. He said: “I wouldn't say it's a necessity, but I think it's a massive plus if you have a connection with a club or the region”

New Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has praised the Newcastle United youth squad.

Keegan has been paying plenty of attention to the youth squad, following the first team’s recent misfortune. He has recently watched two reserve games and a full-scale practice match at St James’s Park and was pleased at the youngster’s performances, particularly those from David Edgar, Tamas Kadar and Andy Carroll. He said: “There have been some really good performances. I first watched the reserves at North Shields a couple of weeks ago and was impressed. On a tough night they put in a performance against a side who were totally committed to beating them. I have been pleased with that.”

Now enjoying his third stint at St James’s Park, Keegan has a history of giving youth players their big break with the Toon Army first team. During his first time as manager, Keegan famously gave Steve Watson, Alan Neilson, Robbie Elliott, Chris Holland and many other youth players a chance. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he has already hinted that some of the youth squad’s current rising stars may soon get their time to shine in the first team. He said: “At some stage we will be looking at the younger players (for the first team), but only when the time is right.”

However, Keegan has also spoken of the difficulty in securing the best youth players – who are often lured away by the four biggest football teams. He believes Newcastle United have to compete with these bigger teams in order to obtain the cream of young footballing talent. Keegan said: “The reason that other clubs are getting good kids is that they are competing, paying compensation. We haven't been able to compete on a level playing field with bigger clubs.”

Keegan played for Newcastle United until 1984 and joined them as a manager for a successful five-year period. He rejoined the Toon Army for a third spell in January 2008 and his appointment was a popular decision with Newcastle United fans. Keegan believes his connection with the club made him such a hit with supporters. He said: “I wouldn't say it's a necessity, but I think it's a massive plus if you have a connection with a club or the region”

Sources:
BBC
Newcastle Evening Chronicle