They love it - And the new Toon boss says: 'It's great to be back'

"I'm back home," said Keegan before taking his seat at St James' Park for the third-round replay demolition of Stoke City.

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"This is my third time around and I'm delighted to be back."

Although caretaker manager Nigel Pearson picked last night's side and Keegan arrived 20 minutes late with owner Mike Ashley and chairman Chris Mort, his presence immediately lifted the club out of the doldrums.

A modest crowd was expected until the shock announcement of his appointment yesterday afternoon and kick-off had to be delayed as thousands made a last-minute rush, swelling it to 35,000.

Goalkeeper Shay Given, who was captain last night, said: "It's brilliant, I'm just so excited.

"The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end when I heard. Knowing what he has done in the past here, it's a real coup for the club.

"It will lift the gloom that's been around the place and that's just what we needed as players and fans.

"Kevin Keegan knows what it means to be here, he loves the club and I don't think any other manager could have lifted the place the same way. And he's Mike Ashley's appointment, he's Mike Ashley's man."

Pearson acknowledged: "The mood was positive and we were all conscious we needed to put on a performance. I'm delighted for the players."

Keegan, who vowed just two months ago never to return to club management, was lured back to Tyneside by Ashley with the promise of a £60million kitty and a £3m-a-year contract for three-and-a-half years.

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The former England manager, who has been out of the game for three years, met his new players for the first time after last night's win.

Only substitute goalkeeper Steve Harper remains from the squad he left in 1997, although his former No2 Terry McDermott is still on the staff.

Keegan was ushered into St James' after arriving by helicopter with Ashley and Mort.

He took his seat in the directors' box and was greeted by an ovation and renditions of Newcastle United fans' favourite Keegan songs for the remainder of the game.

The 56-year-old, who has worked at Fulham and Manchester City since quitting Newcastle, will meet the whole squad today, with the exception of the four on international duty in Africa, and he will be introduced to the media tomorrow.

Mort said: "We got the right man in the end so we're delighted. Mike and I are absolutely thrilled because we didn't think we would be able to get Kevin back here."

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Keegan's return has been welcomed by the club's leading goalscorer Alan Shearer, who was signed by Keegan for a club record £15m in 1996.

The former England skipper said: "Newcastle fans want entertainment, passion, commitment and they have not had that of late.

"The one thing you can guarantee with Kevin is that you will get all those things.

"They will go forward and they will score goals, though they might concede a few. The big thing will be the entertainment.

"Everyone is excited up here — the city will be buzzing and so it should be.

"I was a bit surprised but the club is in his heart, he wants to do so well for them.

"He failed to win a trophy the last time he was manager but you can bet your bottom dollar he would give it a right good go." Shearer told Match of the Day he had offered to help before Keegan's appointment and he would still be interested in meeting Keegan.

"He is his own man, he will make his own decisions," added Shearer.

"Yes, it is my club so if he was to ring me up I would certainly speak to him. I would be foolish not to because I am sure he will get the place rocking. But I don't see myself as a No2."

Goals from Michael Owen, Cacapa, James Milner and Damien Duff saw off Stoke, who scored a late consolation goal through Liam Lawrence, to set up a fourth round trip to The Emirates.