Keegan to use Newcastle's own PR output to back his £8m 'dismissal' claim

Newcastle issued various briefings over the weekend aimed at tarnishing Keegan's reputation, with owner Mike Ashley and his directors claiming he had no responsibility over new signings.

But Keegan hit back, insisting: 'When I joined Newcastle it was made clear to me I would have the final say on player movement.'

Newcastle United fans demonstrate outside St James' Park last week after Kevin Keegan left the club

And the Daily Mirror have revealed that Keegan will have plenty of evidence to back his claim.

Ashley told Newcastle's official magazine last month: 'If the deal is right - that means the right player who Kevin wants - we will do the deal. Kevin is very particular on who he wants.'

Soon after Keegan rejoined, executive director Dennis Wise said in February: 'He (Keegan) will say yes or no. He has the final word. No-one else. I am not going to do things like bring players in behind his back.'

Later that day, in an exclusive with the club's TV station, Wise added: 'A lot of people have got a little mixed up with the reason I'm here and we need to straighten that out quite quickly. I'm not here to be involved in the first team.'

Then chairman Chris Mort was pretty clear in stating in January: 'Kevin will be responsible for ALL matters related to the first team.'

Keegan has always been consistent in his eight month spell as manager that he would have the final say on player transfers, saying in April: 'If they bring players in who are not my players I wouldn't be managing this club.'

Ashley and Wise could now be left with the embarrassing situation of claiming they were misquoted by their own club officials.

It now looks likely that Newcastle will appoint a friend of Wise as coach, which is sure to further anger the long-suffering Newcastle support.

Wise's former Chelsea team-mates Gus Poyet and Gianfranco Zola have been named as potential candidates.

Keegan's departure could have brought an end to one of football's most emotional stories, following his memorable previous spells as player and manager.