This was Keegan's second stint at the club and has started the 2008/2009 season brightly with new signings Jonas Gutierrez and Coloccini both performing well for the club in their opening games.

Keegan failed to take the training session this morning after meeting with board members yesterday nor did he attend last night's reserve match. He has won just six of his twenty one games in charge at Newcastle United but is a firm favourite with the fans who will not be pleased if he has been dismissed or forced out.

Earlier rumours suggested the 57 year old was set to walk away from the club, but fresh reports suggest he has been sacked.

Just last week James Milner departed the club in what appeared to have been a sale take well out of Keegan's hands despite the manager coming forward and insisting that it was he who sold the midfielder and no-one else's, a statement which contradicted his previous line of thought on the Milner situation.

Fans are so outraged by Mike Ashley's mismanagement that they are gathering outside St James' Park in protest, despite no confirmation as of yet by the club or Keegan himself.

The next big problem is who would replace him if he does go. There aren't many unemployed managers around at the moment and those who are have already been on the payroll.

An official announcement is due shortly.

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