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Simon explains more about Newcastle speculation |
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Saturday, 04 October 2008 |
Source: Sky Sports News
Simon Clifford has confirmed to Sky Sports News that Kevin Keegan will return to the club if the South African consortium, he is involved with, takes control at St James' Park.
Clifford along with Jonathan Cleland, who is the Scottish-based businessman heading up the South African bid, met with Keegan earlier this week.
Lifelong Middlesbrough-fan Clifford, who enjoyed a brief stint as coach at Southampton under Clive Woodward's charge, would become director football at Newcastle if Cleland's group took charge.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Clifford confirmed talks with Keegan had gone well.
"Our number one priority is to return Kevin to the club and we had a very good meeting on Monday," he told Sky Sports News.
"I know there are other consortiums looking at the club as it is a terribly attractive proposition and I am under no illusion that Kevin may speak to them also but we did have a mutual interest in working together.
"The specific area i think they'd want me to look at would be the youth side of the club, and their plans are very, very long term.
"They're serious business people, they've done well at taking on brands that perhaps weren't doing well or brands that were under-developed, and they're people that are in it for the long term.
"My concept of SOCATOTS and the success that i've had with that and the Brazilian Soccer Schools is something that they'd like to transpose to Newcastle United."
Cleland confirmed on Friday he was heading up the South African led consortium. To watch a video of the full interview, please click here. |
