Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan admits to being surprised by the appointment of Dennis Wise at St James' Park.
Newcastle boss in the dark over appointment
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan admits to being surprised by the appointment of Dennis Wise at St James' Park.
Wise is quitting as Leeds boss to take up a role thought to compare to that of a director of football among Keegan's backroom staff
And it is reported that Wise's major responsibility will be in handling Newcastle's activity in the transfer market.
However, Keegan - who is also thought to be close to handing Newcastle legend Alan Shearer a role at St James' Park - confesses he is in the dark regarding Wise's arrival.
Reluctant
"I am reluctant to tell you all I know as I really do not know anything." Keegan told reporters ahead of Newcastle's Premier League clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
"I just do not know enough about it so it is pointless me saying something or sitting down and saying to you this wasn't quite right or that wasn't quite right. I just want to focus on tonight's game with Arsenal."
Newcastle chairman Chris Mort is thought to have agreed a £1million compensation package with Leeds for the services of Wise.
Meanwhile, Joey Barton could feature for Newcastle as the Magpies prepare to face Arsenal for the second time in four days after Saturday's FA Cup fourth round defeat.
Barton return
Barton is facing charges of assault, but Keegan could hand the midfielder a substitute's role after coming to an agreement with the courts.
The previous terms of Barton's bail stated that the 25-year-old must attend the Sporting Chance clinic in Hampshire by 7.30pm every day, but Keegan has revealed those conditions have now been changed.
"We wrote letters explaining what we felt," said Keegan. "The judge decided this was the best way to handle it.
"Everything is pretty much the same except he can play. I think the person looking after Joey thought he could play in 3pm kick-offs just at home.
"I told him we couldn't do that. It wouldn't be right for Joey, nor for the person being left out knowing full well I'd be bringing him back just because Joey can't play because of the bail conditions. Common sense says Joey can come back and play a sensible part."
