KEVIN Keegan is to return Newcastle United for a second stint as manager - meaning that Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes will be staying put.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp turned down the chance to succeed Sam Allardyce at the weekend, intensifying speculation that the Magpies could turn to Hughes or even former Rovers striker Alan Shearer.
However, in recent days Gerard Houllier and Didier Deschamps became the bookmakers' favourites for the position.
But the club unexpectedly announced Keegan as the club's new manager on their website this afternoon.
The 56-year-old was a hugely popular figure during his first spell in the St James' Park hotseat from 1992-1997.
He also managed Fulham, England and Manchester City but has been out of the game since leaving City in 2005 after a largely unsuccessful spell.
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