Kevin Keegan stepped down as Newcastle manager on Thursday. (Getty Images)Kevin Keegan resigned as Newcastle United manager on Thursday, bringing to an end his second spell in charge of the English Premier League club.
The 57-year-old former England manager, who had only been at the helm of the Magpies for eight months, said he was left with no option but to quit after disagreeing with the team's board of directors over the club's transfer policy.
"I've been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible," Keegan said in a statement.
"It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.
"It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly the supporters. I have been left with no choice other than to leave."
His departure hardly comes as a surprise, as it was widely expected he would be leaving after the club tried to sell forward Michael Owen and Joey Barton during the August transfer window against Keegan's wishes.
It was reported by several British media outlets earlier this week that the two sides parted company, forcing Newcastle to issue a statement on Tuesday that Keegan was, in fact, still the team's manager.
The team then said Keegan was discussing the situation with owner Mike Ashley.
Keegan came out of retirement last January to take over as Newcastle manager. He previously managed the club for five years before quitting in 1997.
Keegan is the second Premier League manager to leave his post this season. West Ham's Alan Curbishley quit Wednesday.
