The chairman of Newcastle United has admitted publicly that the club had been naïve over the departure of former manager Kevin Keegan.

Supporters staged a number of protests against owner Mike Ashley after Keegan left the club, the most recent in Newcastle City centre last weekend before the Magpies home game with Everton. The subsequent 0 – 0 draw left the North East side just 5 points clear of the relegation zone.

Ashley responded initially by putting the club up for sale but has now taken it off the market.

Speaking to the BBC, United chairman Derek Llambias said:

The reaction was so big it was naïve on our part - we didn’t realise how big it would be.

Kevin is the messiah. He is a great guy, I promise you, Kevin was where we wanted to go.

Mike Ashley is back on board, it’s gone, we are not for sale.

The supporters have been very patient with us, please carry on being patient with us.

We have got a great squad, I mean when you look at the squad if they are all fit and up to it we are right up there.

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