Kevin Keegan leaves Newcastle United

Magpies and Keegan part company

It is a sad state of affairs. What a sham Newcastle United is at the moment. Did I say at the moment? I meant since they last parted company with King Kev. Mike Ashley should get his fat head out of his pint and take a reality check. Keegan parted company with one of his brightest assets last week when James Milner left for Aston Villa, and come transfer deadline day the board – the same board who were angry when he said the Magpies would struggle to break into the top four – backed him with less than £6 million on what is effectively a punt on a relatively unknown Spanish striker.

Roman Abramovich experiences life in the real world

It just goes to show, it can happen to the best of us. Roman Abramovich is not a man who is likely to be best pleased at not getting his own way. The Russian is likely to be a little embarrassed at failing to land Robinho, not only because his oil money was outbid but also because Chelsea were so convinced that they had got their man.

The Chelsea owner must now be worrying exactly how deep he is going to have to dig into those pockets to continue to attract the greediest players to Stamford Bridge. As for the clubs without a billionaire tycoon pulling the strings, get one ASAP. They are this season’s must have accessory.

Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester City

That’ll teach the miserable Bulgar!

Surely not? As if calling themselves United wasn’t going to wind-up Red Devils fans enough, Manchester City’s new owners are now set to pip their city rivals to the signing of Dimitar Berbatov. City have had a £30 million bid for the long-term United target accepted, although the Bulgarian is believed to still be in talks with both Manchester clubs.

City manager Mark Hughes said: “”I’m stunned and excited. Both myself and the fans are very excited by what’s going on. There have been a lot of disruptions and negative publicity but that’s been put to the side in one fell swoop.”

Top 10 conclusions: Premier League weekend 30-31 August

Pies rounds up the weekend action

1. Paul Ince must feel like he has been robbed. How did West Ham end up beating Blackburn 4-1? A disallowed goal, a missed penalty, and some good chances, plus conceding twice in injury time led to a very misleading scoreline.

More conclusions after the jump…