By Steve Hardcastle

There are only two men who could save Newcastle United. Two men who have what it takes to bring back fan confidence and belief. Two men to put this club back at the top. Those men are Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer - the dream team. I have followed this club for 41 years. I’m heading into my 50th year as a Geordie citizen and I have seen it all at Newcastle but never have I seen such a period of uncertainty - even way back before Sir John Hall.

Back then I always thought that someone somewhere would save us - that man was Kevin Keegan. He restored my belief and confidence in Newcastle again and I loved every minute of that wonderful roller coaster. I have never seen better football before and since at St. James’s nor so much passion and enjoyment on the stands. Every fan floated on air and there was a real buzz around Town.

I regard that era as our golden period despite never winning anything because we as fans were rich. And so was the club as proved by spending all that money on Alan Shearer - the finest centre-forward I have ever seen and likely to see at St. James’s.

Sir Bobby was like Keegan in many respects and I am deeply saddened at the way he has been treat from the board, players and fans alike. He deserved to go with dignity and applause. Instead he got neither. So we are back to square one - looking for that special man. That special man is currently twiddling his thumbs over at Manchester City knowing he will never have the love of the Manchester people or the chances of success that he craves. At Newcastle he already has the love of the people and the chances of success are far greater than they were when he was last at Newcastle.

A tandem of Keegan and Shearer as his sidekick could bring back the golden era. My waffle may read like sentimental clap-trap but I genuinely believe these two could do the job. Keegan I guess isn’t on many fans lists but nobody would be sorry to see him back here. I wouldn’t - I’d love it.

Fans harp on about how tactically inept he is and how poor our defence was but with extra coaches who coach the team anyway he can get on with what he does best. Motivating a club and a city with starved fans. Generating a feel good factor again which will bring back some passion to the stands that haven’t been heard since he left. Having Keegan back would take pressure off Shearer who could get on with his job as assistant manager ready for the day he eventually takes over.

It doesn’t have to be a big contract. Keegan could come here for 2 years and get everything going again. Watching Keegan do his post match interviews irks me because he doesn’t look happy. Something died the day he left Newcastle. That passion, energy and zest of his that breathed life into Newcastle. He can do it again. He has unfinished business here and I would love to see him back at his home on the hill.

Please let it be Keegan.