Ginola encourages Keegan return

Keegan has not managed since leaving Man City in 2005

Former Newcastle winger David Ginola says unfinished business could trigger Kevin Keegan's return to the club for a second spell as manager.

Keegan, 56, has fuelled speculation by refusing to rule himself out of the running following Sam Allardyce's exit.

And Ginola, who played for the club from 1995-97, backed his former boss when asked about a potential return.

"Why not?" he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "When I was there, we didn't achieve what we expected at the time."

Interview: Fomer Newcastle player David Ginola

Ginola was referring to the 1995-96 season, when Newcastle, with a 12-point lead at Christmas in the Premier League, were eventually overtaken by Manchester United.

But, despite his failure to land the club's first major trophy since 1955, Ginola feels Keegan's affinity with the Toon can be rekindled in a bid for success.

606: DEBATE KEEGAN: YES OR NO? coxongilly

"Kevin Keegan was the main reason I signed for the club. He really brought something special in terms of spirit," said the Frenchman.

"He really was the man for the job, especially at Newcastle.

"I learned a lot about how to respect everybody at the club and I am sure this is why he was so loved and appreciated."

Keegan, who quit his last job as Manchester City boss in March 2005, told BBC Sport in October that he was unlikely to manage a team again.

But he has been linked with a return to the club he managed from 1992-97 and told Sky Sports News on Monday: "I'm not ruling myself out or in. It's a club I love, everyone knows that."

The ex-England coach is currently running his "Soccer Circus" in Glasgow and has been linked with a return to management alongside fellow Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

He was also linked with a return to the club last summer as director of football following Mike Ashley's takeover.