Last Updated: Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:09
Kevin Keegan has resigned as manager of Newcastle - just eight months after returning for a second spell in charge at St James' Park.
The news brings an end to days of uncertainty surrounding Keegan's future on Tyneside, after it emerged he had been locked in crisis talks with club officials, and leaves the Magpies looking for their sixth manager in four years.
Keegan, who arrived in January after the departure of Sam Allardyce, cited a lack of control over new signings as his principal reason for leaving the north-east giants.
Keegan, 57, said: "I have been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible.
"It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.
"It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly the supporters.
"I have been left with no choice other than to leave."
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: "The LMA has been supporting Kevin during a very difficult period.
"We share his great disappointment and frustration that the situation could not be resolved."