Keegan in surprise talks with Newcastle owner

Former Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has held talks with the Premier League club's owner Mike Ashley in a bid to resolve several issues just over a week after he quit the north-east club.

However, a statement issued on the League Managers' Association (LMA) website (www.leaguemanagers.com) said "the discussion failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion".

The detailed nature of the talks was not disclosed by the LMA, which has recently been in close contact with the 57-year-old former England manager and midfielder.

Keegan, who quit Newcastle on Sept. 4 less than eight months after returning for a second stint as manager, said he had left because he did not have control over transfer policy.

Newcastle fans have called for Ashley and director of football Dennis Wise to resign and demonstrations against the owner are expected to take place before, during and after Saturday's match against Hull City at St James' Park.

Coach Chris Hughton, who has been put in charge for the game, appealed to the supporters to get behind the players.

"We appreciate things may be difficult for the fans at the moment," he was quoted as saying by the BBC. "But one thing Newcastle supporters are renowned for is their support of the team."