EXCLUSIVE: Toon chief blasts heroes Shearer and Keegan in foul-mouthed rant

Published 23:01 12/11/11 By Brian McNally

Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias stunned Toon Army fans by unleashing an astonising, foul-mouthed rant in public on Geordie icons Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan.

The former casino boss — who ­virtually never gives media interviews ­— delivered a withering condemnation on the managerial abilities of the Magpies legends in front of startled onlookers in a Newcastle gastro bar.

Llambias, who along with Toon owner Mike Ashley has enraged Toon fans by re-branding historic St. James’ Park as the Sports Direct Arena, blamed Shearer for Newcastle’s 2009 relegation and claimed there “will never be a right time” for the former England skipper in management.

And in a blistering broadside aimed at Keegan, the Magpies MD claimed the former England boss is ­unable to cope with the ­stresses and strains of ­management.

Llambias railed: “Kevin Keegan can’t take pressure. His f****** head is all over the place.”

He also made a shocking claim in a meeting with fans last month that Keegan’s second coming as Newcastle manager in 2008 came about ­because he was the preferred choice of potential Arab buyers. He revealed: “Mike (Ashley) was selling to the Arabs and they ­wanted Kevin Keegan.

“The Arabs wanted him, the fans wanted him — perfect!”

A candid Llambias admitted he was at fault for recruiting Shearer as manager in April 2009 when Newcastle were battling to avoid the drop.

Llambias said: “Shearer was my choice and I have to hold up my hands — the wrong choice.”

Referring to the relegation battle and the managerial team of Shearer and Iain Dowie, he claimed: “Shearer, for this, destroys us. He gave all the responsibility to Dowie. Rubbish!”

A supporter suggests “It wasn’t the right time” for Shearer. Llambias responded ­brusquely, and said: “It would never be the right time. Shearer? There would never be a right time in football.”

When one of the onlookers suggested Shearer is arrogant, ­Llambias agreed and said: “You guys have given him that arrogance.”

What will perplex ­Newcastle fans about Llambias’ put-down of the Geordie hero is the fact that days after ­relegation, Ashley ­issued a statement in which he said: “Bringing Alan Shearer back to Newcastle United was the best ­decision I have made.”

Chris Hughton ­succeeded Shearer as manager and led Toon back into the top flight at the first attempt as ­champions (below, left).

Hughton was sacked by ­Newcastle a year ago, and is now manager of ­Birmingham.

He was also in the ­Llambias line of fire when one of the group asked why he was dismissed.

Llambias responded: “He would never have taken us where we want to be.

“That’s my decision by the way.

“Chris can’t make decisions. If I am asking about a player, Ben Arfa? he says ‘I’m not sure, blah blah’.

“With Chris, he couldn’t cope with where we are ­mentally. We are ­aggressive.

“You need to be aggressive. I don’t want a manager below me who can’t argue.”

But of all the colourful claims made by ­Llambias perhaps the one that will not be disputed by Toon fans is: “You guys don’t ­understand how f****** ­horrible we can be.”

After last week’s act of soccer sacrilege at St. James’ Park, many Geordies believe they ­understand only too well.

Newcastle declined to comment last night.