London - Confusion and rancour reigned on Tyneside Friday after manager Kevin Keegan's departure from the club was finally confirmed.

The 57-year-old was reported to have gone on Tuesday, only for the club to issue a statement insisting he had not been sacked.

But Keegan failed to show up to take training this week, before finally issuing a statement through the League Managers Association.

"I've been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors but sadly that has not proved possible," he said.

"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."

Fans have reacted with fury, with talk of a boycott of next week's home game against Hull.

Relations between Keegan and owner Mike Ashley are believed to have been strained since the appointment of Dennis Wise in a director of football role.

Keegan is believed to have become frustrated by his lack of control over transfer dealings. (dpa)