Eddie Howe has revealed that he intends to speak to Kevin Keegan again 'very soon' after gaining a 'greater understanding' of Newcastle United from the club legend.
Just as Howe had a 'really important conversation' with Alan Shearer after taking charge last November, the Newcastle boss also reached out to Keegan. In fact, Keegan was one of the first people Howe rang after getting the job and it is easy to see why.
Keegan's place in Newcastle's history speaks for itself, as both a player and a manager, and Howe quickly wanted to tap into the 72-year-old's knowledge when other outsiders may have perhaps been too proud to pick up the phone. Keegan is understood to have stressed the importance of always being up front with the fans to Howe and the Newcastle head coach, clearly, learned a lot from the man who used to liken managing the Magpies to riding a 'black and white tiger' .
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"It was important for me to try to embrace everything to do with Newcastle’s successful past to try to bring Newcastle a successful future," Howe told the Sun. "I think it’s important for our players now, who are representing the club, to understand the past and celebrate people who have been a big success at the football club.
“There were a few things I wanted to talk to Kevin about to get a greater understanding of Newcastle. I wanted to pick the brains of someone that probably understands Newcastle the most.
“I just wanted to educate myself really and show respect to one of Newcastle’s greatest ever players and managers. I hope it won’t be a one-off. I will certainly reach out and try to speak to him again very soon.”
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