Keegan told to start winning, or it's a role upstairs

Sportsmail understands that billionaire owner Mike Ashley is concerned about Keegan's apparent inability to guide his side clear of relegation danger and is prepared to make his second change of manager.

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Newcastle have taken just two points from the eight League matches they have played since Keegan's return and have fallen dramatically down the table.

They could be in the bottom four before they even play at Birmingham City on Monday, with only their opponents, Fulham and Derby below them.

The slide has forced Ashley to consider asking Keegan to step aside already and take a position in the St James' Park boardroom, allowing a new manager to come in for a salvage operation.

Dennis Wise, recently appointed executive director (football), would be the obvious choice to take over after his success at Leeds and with Millwall, whom he guided to the FA Cup Final and into Europe.

Terry Venables is an alternative short-term option, but on Thursday night Newcastle chairman Chris Mort denied that such a move for Venables is on the cards and he backed Keegan — following a vote of confidence after Newcastle's last home defeat.

Mort said: 'Kevin has come to a club that didn't change its manager in the middle of the season because things were going well. Kevin came in knowing it was going to be difficult to turn it round.'

However, for months the St James' Park hierarchy denied any intention of removing previous manager Sam Allardyce and, if Keegan fails to secure precious points in Newcastle's next two games — away to Birmingham, followed by Fulham at home the following Saturday — sources believe Ashley will press the panic button.

A defeat in the Midlands could leave Newcastle in the drop zone and make their game against Keegan's former club Fulham vitally important. If Newcastle return from St Andrew's without a point, Ashley may conclude that it is too big a risk to leave Keegan in charge of a must-win game.

After investing more than £250million in the club, Ashley will be determined to protect his investment.

Keegan remains upbeat and on Thursday night insisted his players have a 'nine-game season' to secure their status. Although he would not welcome a new role, his £3m-a-year salary is a considerable compensation and it has enabled him to resolve issues in his business life.

Keegan has denied rumours of a bust-up with Aussie striker Mark Viduka, who has played only once under the ex-England boss.