I DON'T know if it ever made a tabloid headline but 'Gold King Cole' would certainly have adequately described the man Kevin Keegan sold last week, a move that immediately brought the ire of Newcastle United's fanatical supporters down around his ears.
The sensational transfer has been hogging the headlines in England and that admirable ambassador of the northeast, but more lately of the Republic of Ireland, Jack Charlton, was as surprised as anyone by the development.
Big Jack is in town for a few days giving an after dinner speech or two, meeting the governor and making the draw for the excellent Carlsberg Cup international tournament.
It has been a couple of World Cups since he was here last but the years have been kind enough - despite the pressure. Or is there that much pressure these days? 'Certainly not like Newcastle. I know exactly what Kevin Keegan has to live with, day in and day out. It is so intense at Newcastle, more so than anywhere else I have been or seen,' mused Jack.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Cole move was the fact that Keegan did not even bother to wait until after the third round replay against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.
Jack does drop into St James' Park now and again - as listeners to BFBS can testify to on Saturday nights - but has never had any doubts that he did the right thing when he walked away from the manager's job.
