Here, in the wake of Kevin Keegan's departure from Newcastle United, we ask whether old-style management is a thing of the past as interfering chairmen and owners take over the reins.

Days of speculation over the position of Kevin Keegan at St James's Park left fans fuming.

Now, following his resignation, supporters are threatening to boycott Newcastle United's next home game – or sit in silence if they do attend – in protest at the way he has been treated.

Keegan said he was left with no choice but to leave, adding: "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."

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley cited the same reason for his resignation the day before. He said: "The club continued to make significant player decisions without involving me."

Are the departures of Keegan and Curbishley a sign of English football moving towards a continental-style of management, in which signings are negotiated by clubs' boards, and managers coach their teams but have no say on transfer policy?

If so, it's a development which would not be welcomed by fans if our poll in King Street, South Shields, yesterday is anything to go by.

Student Amanda Bertie, 20, of Westoe, South Shields, said: "I feel that football has changed for the worse now.

"It seems managers don't get any input any more. What happened to Keegan is a great example of the times we live in. It's ruining the game."

People are also concerned about the involvement of wealthy businessmen such as Manchester City's new owner, multi-billionaire Dr Sulaiman al-Fahim.

His Abu Dhabi United Group has made City the richest club in the world and funded the sensational signing of Brazilian superstar Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.5m – a new British transfer record.

Retired Jacqueline Legg, 68, of Tyne Dock, South Shields, believes football has lost its identity.

She said: "It's not a sport now – it's a business. You can't even take your bairns. It's too much trouble and far too expensive."

Merchant seaman David Grout, 39, of South Shields, said: "Football has definitely changed. All this money is the downfall of football.

"Owners like Mike Ashley are seeing it as a way to make money, but I think the club will only succeed if the owner is willing to lose a bit of money by investing a lot.

"Ashley was too tight-fisted for Keegan, and that's why he walked."

Newcastle United fans are calling on Ashley to sell the club – and they're not keen on executive director (football) Dennis Wise either.

John Legg, 71, a retired welder, of Tyne Dock, South Shields, said: "They should get shot of Wise. The club has never run smoothly since he went there."

Sales assistant Judith Shervington, 48, of the Lawe Top, South Shields, said: "I think they should just leave it to the manager. Owners are too involved these days.

"I think Keegan quitting is going to ruin the football club. Why did they have to interfere?"

Trainee youth worker Steven Carr, 18, of Laygate, South Shields, said: "I think it's all right, but messing with managers who want to do their own thing causes friction.

"The game has got worse. It was for the working class – it was their game – but now it's all about money."