Kevin Keegan has resigned after just eight months in charge at Newcastle United.

The announcement follows lengthy talks between the 57-year-old and the board.

"I've been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible," Keegan said in a statement.

"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.

"It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly the supporters.

"I have been left with no choice other than to leave." About 200 angry fans gathered outside the club's St James' Park ground on Thursday night after hearing of his departure.

They chanted Keegan's name and called for club owner Mike Ashley and director of football Dennis Wise to quit.

A Newcastle statement said the club was "sad and disappointed" that he had resigned.

It added: "Over the last few days, the club has devoted itself to the discussions it has held with Kevin and as a result of those discussions had put together a set of practical suggestions for how to move forward.

"The club made it clear to Kevin that if he had any outstanding concerns on its proposals, he should raise them with the club.

"The club regrets that Kevin has, instead of taking up that offer, chosen to resign."