Civil Wor

Smith looks set to seal his £2million switch within the next 24 hours. But the move has angered boss Keegan and Dennis Wise, who both want to keep him in their threadbare squad. On Wednesday, Keegan insisted Smith was going nowhere — only for owner Ashley to put his foot down and demand the former Manchester United man is flogged off. Smith, 27, has been a flop at St James’ Park since his £6m move from Old Trafford last summer and has not scored in 37 games. But Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins are all crocked so, at present, he is the Toon’s ONLY fit striker. Smith is keen on Everton and would have moved there last summer if the Toffees had the funds. Director of football Wise has taken Keegan’s side in the row, which casts yet another black cloud over Tyneside. Keegan spectacularly clashed with billionaire... [read full story]