Source: Northern_Echo
Keegan and Ashley in dispute
KEVIN Keegan and Mike Ashley attended the opening day of a Premier League Arbitration Tribunal yesterday that will rule on the former Newcastle manager’s claim for constructive dismissal.
The tribunal, which could conclude this afternoon, will also rule on Ashley’s counterclaim of breach of contract.
Keegan lodged a constructive dismissal claim after he left his position as manager of Newcastle United in September 2008.
The former Magpies boss is understood to be alleging that his position became untenable when executive director (football) Dennis Wise went behind his back to conduct transfer affairs.
Xisco and Ignacio Gonzalez arrived at St James’ Park on August transfer deadline day, and Keegan is claiming that he was not an active participant in the transfer of either player.
Wise will attend the tribunal as a witness, and his involvement in proceedings will result in his first meeting with Keegan since the latter parted company with the Magpies a year ago.
Keegan is claiming the full value of the contract he had remaining when he left St James’ Park, a figure that could be worth up to £8m plus costs.
Sources close to Ashley’s negotiations with Tyneside businessman Barry Moat claim the result of the tribunal will not have an impact on ongoing takeover talks.
Indeed, whatever the tribunal rules, the sale of the club may be more likely once the proceedings come to an end.
