Newcastle United assistant boss Terry McDermott is convinced the good times will return under manager Kevin Keegan.

McDermott told the Evening Chronicle: "This is what this club has needed for a lot of years.

"We have had some good managers. Sam Allardyce was a good fella, and Graeme Souness was a fantastic guy and a good manager, but they were here at the wrong time.

"Kevin, though, is a bit special.

"He loves Newcastle United and the fans absolutely love him.

McDermott has been on the scene at St James's Park for the majority of Newcastle's Premier League years.

And he knows exactly how the doom and gloom of last season can quickly change.

United got their campaigns off to great starts back in 1994/95 and 1995/96, which helped achieve top-six finishes.

McDermott and Keegan kicked every ball in 1996 when United went so close to lifting the Premier League trophy in just their third season in the top flight.

And the Liverpudlian said: "Getting results is the one that will lift everyone. It lifts the players and the mood of the club. Not to mention what it does for the fans.

"Good performances are next. Everyone knows our fans like to see Newcastle win, but also to win in style.

"Everyone knows that is Kevin's philosophy."