After only eight months since his fairytale appointment, Keegan's second reign in charge of Newcastle has come to an end after he resigned as manager.

The news ends two days of speculation that Keegan had left the club, and owner Mike Ashley now faces a fierce backlash from fans.

The 57-year-old held showdown talks with club owner Mike Ashley on Monday and Tuesday following a fallout over transfer policy.

In an attempt to salvage the relationship between manager and owner, the pair held further talks today.

But the rift, it seems, was too big to repair, and Keegan announced his resignation in a statement through the League Managers' Association.

Within minutes of the news breaking, angry fans began to gather outside St James's Park, making their views clear.

Mike Davis, 31, from West Denton, Newcastle, said: "How can you treat a legend like this. We should all boycott the club, maybe then the owners will get the message.

"Mike Ashley should hold his head in shame."

George Cowan, 60, from Newcastle city centre, said: "This is the worst thing that has ever happened to the club.

"There has never been any management structure at this club, and it's never going to change, we've all had enough"

It is believed Keegan was furious that executive director (football) Dennis Wise had more say on transfers than him.

Matthew Walsh, 17, from Gateshead, said: "I'm never coming to another game while Ashley owns the club, he's not getting another penny of my money.

"Fans will not accept this. There will be a riot if he tries to sit with us again."