Okay, we’ve all heard the news, we’ve seen the smiles all over the Geordie faces – the question now is just what effect will Keegan have – can he really get Nicky Butt to five goals by May?
Keegan was flown in by helicopter to attend tonight’s FA Cup replay and the impact was immediate. The crowd have been lifted and the players have already responded. Owen scored after eight minutes and the new Newcastle were on their way. The suggestion is that goals will be guaranteed at both ends, making the Newcastle defence even more abhorrent for us fantasy managers, whilst making us all develop a sudden infatuation for Mark Viduka.
Owen and Viduka could well be set to thrive in the months to come. Keegan will love the big man/little man combination. They have the pedigree, all they need is the service. That’s a given, with Keegan likely to introduce a simple brand of football based on a straightforward 4-4-2 with a holding midfielder, allowing two wide men to bomb forward, delivering ammunition to the strikers. Milner, Nzogbia and Duff should do nicely for starters.
The Keegan effect could well be instant – tonight’ 4-1 with ten men certainly suggests as much. While there’s a temptation to “wait and see”, with emotions amongst crowd and players on overdrive, it could well be that Newcastle’s best spell under Keegan will come early on. Bolton at home at the weekend appears to be the perfect opportunity to cut loose. Arsenal away to follow, an ideal test of the Keegan effect. It’s a gamble, but there may well be instant value amongst the players mentioned for those fantasy managers looking to bridge the gap in their mini-leagues.
There may also be new faces to consider. The “Geordie messiah” will get money and he’ll spend it. I’m betting on one or two “experienced” signings in the next fortnight that could yet provide some very interesting fantasy options. “Very interesting” just about sums up today’s news for fantasy managers. Unless of course you’re a Newcastle fan – they have every right to be a little more excited.