Eddie Howe is right to 'embrace' the history of Newcastle United after extending an invite to club legend Kevin Keegan to speak to his squad. That is the view of former Entertainers midfielder Lee Clark, who feels the current head coach and sporting director Dan Ashworth have proven they are keen to learn from the past to help shape the Magpies' future.
Howe spoke with Keegan before his appointment in the role last November in an effort to garner a greater understanding of the club and the city. The former Bournemouth boss has challenged the current generation to write their own chapter in the Magpies' history, referencing the title-challenging period in the 1990s during Keegan's first spell in charge.
The 71-year-old became distanced from United after a falling-out with former owner Mike Ashley led to his second resignation in September 2008. However, the club's new owners along with Howe have taken steps to rebuild bridges with former favourites who had become ostracised by the previous regime.
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Speaking ahead of the goalless draw with Brighton, Howe said would 'love' for Keegan to come and speak to his players, although he admitted he was not sure if it was something the Magpies legend would be open to doing. Clark feels his former manager would be 'superb' at inspiring the squad, and believes the current head coach is right to try and learn from the past.
Clark told ChronicleLive: "I think they are embracing what's gone on in the past. They're big fans of what Kevin and players from that era did, and the relationship they had with the club and the fans. Eddie is replicating that togetherness with the help of other people.
"For me, getting the likes of Kevin back involved, even in a small way like going in and giving the group an inspirational talk which he's absolutely superb at, would definitely be beneficial. He is a very intelligent man and he has been unbelievably success as both a player and a manager. Kevin is not the type to push himself on someone, I would love Eddie to lean on him for one or two things.
"The game has changed, of course it has, but see if there's any little bits you can dip into and learn from other managers. I think Eddie is right to see if there's any little things he can take from that, and he's been really open to big changes. It points to really positive vibes around the place, and Eddie trying to squeeze every last ounce out of what he can to get the best results for the football club."
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