By Matthew Jones
August 23 2002

Former Newcastle United Boss Kevin Keegan is aiming to put his hero-status behind him as he returns to the Tyneside tomorrow with Manchester City. Former Newcastle United Boss Kevin Keegan is aiming to put his hero-status behind him as he returns to the Tyneside tomorrow with Manchester City.

Keegan was greeted by thousands of jubilant fans last February, when Newcastle played Man City in the FA Cup at St James' Park, but he wants tomorrows game at Maine Road 'a strictly business' one as Man City hope to get at least a point out of the game.

Keegan said: "Whatever happened last year was a one off. It was my first ever visit back to a team of my own. There had been alot of things written about my time at Newcastle and everybody is entitled to an opinion"

"But the fans showed what they thought of it and I hope I showed what I thought of them. It was all very moving and it was a day that I will always remember. But all that is finished. It's all behind me."

"The Newcastle fans will come to our place on Saturday and while the respect will remain I don't expect anything else. It is not going to be the same as it was at St James' Park, this time its down to business."

Keegan took The Magpies to 3rd in the Premiership during his first season managing in the Top Flight back in 1993 and he hopes to do similar with Manchester City.

"My ambition is to finish in the top six this season. I know it's going to be difficult but I have never been afraid of a challenge."