Source: Eurosport
Magpies wait on Keegan decision
Newcastle and their former manager, Kevin Keegan, may have to wait until the week after next to learn the outcome of their compensation wrangle.
A Premier League independent arbitration panel hearing drew to a close on Friday, and judgement has been reserved.
In a statement from the League Managers Association, who have been representing Keegan, chief executive Richard Bevan said: "Having heard the evidence from both sides, the panel has reserved judgement, and there will be no further comment on the process until they have published their findings."
Panel members have spent two weeks hearing the evidence in Keegan's case for constructive dismissal, which he launched following his departure from St James' Park a little more than a year ago.
The former England manager took action after alleging he had effectively been forced out of the club eight months into his second spell in charge.
He claimed his position had become untenable after the deadline day arrivals of Spanish striker Xisco and loan signing Ignacio Gonzalez, both allegedly without his knowledge, as the recruitment team, then headed by executive director (football) Dennis Wise, went about its business.
Newcastle's counter-claim is that Keegan knew the set-up and that, by walking out of the club, had broken his contract.
A mutual compensation package of £2million was written into the deal when the adopted Geordie returned to Tyneside as Sam Allardyce's replacement in January last year, meaning the club had to pay if he was sacked and that he had to if he walked away.
However, it is understood Keegan is not only seeking the value of the remaining part of his three-year contract, but also compensation for loss of future earnings.
Press Association Sport revealed on Thursday that the worst-case scenario could leave the Magpies with a bill far in excess of the £9million reported value of Keegan's claim.
