Betting Begins On Keegan's Successor

Sports betting firms have installed Gus Poyet as the favourite to be Newcastle United's next manager.

Kevin Keegan remains in charge at Newcastle United but several sports betting firms appear to be expecting him to depart in the near future.

A meeting between Keegan and the Newcastle board on Tuesday prompted a day of frenzied media speculation.

Some sources claimed the manager had resigned following a disagreement about the club's transfer policy and more specifically, a rumoured attempt to offload troubled midfielder Joey Barton to Blackburn Rovers.

One broadcaster even claimed the meeting had concluded with Keegan being sacked by the club where he is revered by the fans.

Newcastle subsequently issued a statement insisting Keegan had not been dismissed and the League Managers Association has said the former England captain has not resigned.

It appears the man known as King Kev is still Newcastle manager, but it is far from clear whether that will be the case when the Magpies return to action against Hull City on September 13th.

A number of bookmakers have reacted to the news by offering odds on the identity of the next Newcastle manager, with Tottenham coach Gus Poyet the 3/1 favourite.

Magpies executive director (football) Dennis Wise can be backed at 9/2, while the club's all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer is an 11/2 chance.