Kevin Keegan returns to Toon Town

Kevin Keegan is returning to Newcastle United as manager, the club have confirmed.

Keegan enjoyed great success in his first stint at St James' Park between 1992 and 1997, leading the club back into the Premier League and taking them to the brink of the title.

The former England manager became a favourite with the Toon Army during his Magpies playing career and continues to be held in the highest regard on Tyneside.

Keegan has been out of football after leaving his post as Manchester City boss in 2005, but has been tempted back by the challenge of again leading a club he clearly holds close to his heart.

A brief statement on the club's official website read: "Kevin Keegan is returning to Newcastle United as manager."

The Magpies have been searching for a new manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce last week, whose reign lasted for just 24 games.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was initally strongly linked with the post, but he elected to turn the opportunity down to stay on at Fratton Park.