"Geordie Messiah" returns to Newcastle

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - Kevin Keegan said on Thursday he was returning to Newcastle United as manager, 11 years after leaving, because he still had "unfinished business" at the club.

In an interview with Talksport Radio, the 56-year-old who was dubbed the "Geordie Messiah" by the Premier League club's Web site on Wednesday said it was an easy decision to make.

"I have met the owner (Mike Ashley). I like him very much and having spent an hour with him, I am convinced that it is right to come back. Maybe I have a bit of unfinished business here."

Whether or not another Geordie hero, Alan Shearer, returns as his assistant is still to be settled.

Shearer, who signed as a player for Keegan in his first spell as manager in 1996 for a then world record fee of 15.0 million pounds, said he would certainly speak to Keegan if he approached him.

Shearer, working as a media pundit since retiring as a player in 2006, told BBC Radio Five Live: "I don't know if he wants a No.2 or whether I would like to be one.

"I am sure he will sit down and see what he has to do, whether he has to bring anyone in, or use the people that are already there. Obviously if he calls I would speak to him, I would be foolish not to do that."

HERO'S WELCOME