Rivals would give us cash to beat Chelsea in other countries, says Newcastle boss Keegan

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

More Newcastle United news

Keegan's side could play a decisive role in the title race when the two teams meet at St James' Park. Defeat for Avram Grant's men could effectively end Chelsea's late chase if Manchester United have beaten West Ham on Saturday.

But the Newcastle manager, who only returned to management in January, has claimed such a fixture would have had the potential to be corrupt in other European countries.

"If we were in Spain now we'd be getting an offer of a bonus from Manchester United for beating Chelsea, definitely," he said.

"It happens and it's allowed as well. That can never happen here. If we beat Chelsea it's because we deserve to and if they beat us, they deserve to. If Manchester United win the title they'll have deserved to and the same for Chelsea.

"It's a great league, we've privileged to be part of it, whether we watch it, play in it or whatever. That's the thing I like about this league, there's an integrity to it.

"What has really come home to me since I came back into the league is that the Premier League is the most fantastic league in the world for lots of different reasons.

"Not because it's always the best football, not because it's always the best entertainment but it's the most competitive. Fulham can go to Man City and win. Man City can go to Old Trafford and win. We can go to Tottenham and win and then we can lose at home to one of the smaller clubs, and so can the rest. It has integrity.

"I don't think the Chelsea game is our cup final, it's their cup final and our chance to see how we've progressed rather than a cup final, but it's a game I'd like to win."