Keegan resigns as Newcastle manager

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Kevin Keegan resigned as manager of Newcastle United on Thursday, less than eight months after taking charge of the Premier League club for the second time.

In a statement issued through the League Managers Association, Keegan said he was left "no choice" because of the way the club was being run.

"I've been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors but sadly that has not proved possible," said the former England coach.

"It's my opinion a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player he does not want."

He is the second manager to resign in 24 hours after West Ham United's Alan Curbishley quit, also citing interference in playing matters as his reason.

Keegan's future at Newcastle had been in the spotlight since Tuesday when the club issued a statement saying he had not been sacked despite media speculation to the contrary.

Reacting to Keegan's decision, Newcastle said they had offered the manager an olive branch and were "sad and disappointed" he had quit.

"Over the last few days the club has devoted itself to the discussions it has held with Kevin and as a result of those discussions had put together a set of practical suggestions for how to move forward," a club statement read.