Football: Country wants him - Venables

THERE WAS a widespread welcome for the appointment of Kevin Keegan as temporary England coach last night.

The former England coach Terry Venables, who would have liked another period in the job himself, was positive.

"I think Kevin will be a very, very good appointment," the consultant to Crystal Palace said. "There's no doubt the country wants him, and he's a very popular guy."

Fulham fans expressed their delight that Keegan will be in charge for four games only.

David Lloyd, editor of the fanzine There's Only One F in Fulham, said: "We're dead chuffed that he's honouring his contract, and you could say it's a case of Fulham lending England the manager. He's in a no-lose situation, because if he does the business he's the hero, and if he doesn't it's the previous regime's fault."

Arsene Wenger believes the part-time arrangement must be strictly temporary.

"It is only possible for Keegan to be involved with both England and Fulham in the short term, maybe to the end of the season," the Arsenal manager said.

"Even then it is difficult because he has to walk away in the middle of a season from a club that is trying to win promotion to be with England when they want him. And to do that on a longer-term basis, I would say it cannot be done at all."

Doubts have been raised as to Keegan's emotional suitability for the job, but his former England and Southampton team-mate Mick Channon believes he will cope with the immense pressure.

The "I would love it" outburst, when Newcastle and Manchester United were going for the Premiership title in 1996, has prompted many to argue Keegan cannot handle being in the spotlight for example, but Channon said: "The pressure won't be a problem. He's better at coping with pressure than anyone. There's nothing wrong with having a bit of pride in what you do.

"The Press have rows with people every day of their lives and just because he had a row with Alex Ferguson doesn't mean there's something wrong with his character."

For Channon, there is only one man for the job. "He's the obvious choice," he said of Keegan. "He gets on with people and he's enthusiastic. He gets on with big names. He tries to win games and he's not frightened of getting beat. He's the obvious one - if he wants it and the media want him. The media are the worst if something goes wrong.

"But whatever he does he'll be good at because he puts everything into it. He could build greenhouses, he could do whatever he tried because if he goes into something he does it with enthusiasm."

Keegan's former club, Newcastle, also backed his appointment. A brief statement read: "The Board of directors at Newcastle United wish Kevin Keegan all the very best and we are sure he will do a magnificent job."

John Harris, spokesman for the Independent Newcastle United Supporters' Association, welcomed Keegan's appointment as part-time England boss.

He said: "I think Kevin Keegan is made to measure for the England job. Five or six years ago, he said he was only interested in two jobs: Newcastle and England. He's done one and I'm sure he could do the other.

"He's the best choice of all the candidates, there's no doubt about that. I think he will get the best out of the England players. England need a Midas touch, and Keegan is the one man who can provide it."