Nicky Butt and Newcastle aim to put record straight

Newcastle United could not have chosen a more fitting venue for their two Spanish friendly matches than the ONO Stadium; with the new season less a than a fortnight away, ‘oh no’ is an increasingly familiar refrain from supporters. If it was not for Kevin Keegan, the distress might be overwhelming; three successive defeats, no goals scored, a flurry of injuries, Joey Barton and takeover speculation. Judgement will be suspended until Keegan leads his players to Old Trafford on August 17 and then, 14 days later, when the transfer window closes, but for every cause for confidence, there is counterbalance. No manager has greater resonance with Geordie fans than Keegan, yet while there is little appetite for another campaign of drudgery, even he needs time and patience. Lest anyone has forgotten, Nicky Butt – a figure of genuine... [read full story]