Keegan slams Phoenix plans

Keegan's is a powerful voice against the Phoenix League

Kevin Keegan has launched a blistering attack on proposals to form a breakaway Phoenix League.

The former England boss claims his club Manchester City is firmly against the idea, and he is prepared to set himself up as the champion of the minnows.

Manchester City boss Keegan said: "I'm really against it.

Now is the time to look after the smaller clubs, but it looks like some clubs want to put the boot in

Kevin Keegan

"I'm going to speak out for the smaller clubs, not because I feel I have to, but because I genuinely believe football should never be determined by just finances and size alone."

The blast from the former England manager is the most significant voice so far to speak out against the proposals.

Keegan said: "I just think football has gone mad at the moment.

"Now is the time to look after the smaller clubs, but it looks like some clubs want to put the boot in."

Keegan feels bigger, richer clubs should be helping the likes of Rotherham, Stockport and Crewe rather than trying to cut them adrift.

I came from a small club myself and I don't think there's anything wrong with Rotherham, Stockport and Crewe playing Manchester City

Kevin Keegan

Keegan feels he is able to speak from a position of strength as manager of arguably the biggest club outside the Premiership.

"We're the one club who maybe should be more for it than anybody because we've got the biggest fan base in this division.

"Who could think of forming a second division of the Premiership without us?"

Keegan, who started his career at Scunthorpe, said: "I came from a small club myself and I don't think there's anything wrong with Rotherham, Stockport and Crewe playing Manchester City."

"They've earned the right every week and I don't think the size of a stadium, for example, has got anything to do with it.

"If a guy can build a stadium, which holds up to 30-40,000 his team can play in the league but Crewe Alexandra and Dario Gradi, who have worked so hard, and people like Rotherham are not going to have that chance."