Newcastle United are yet to recover from Kevin Keegan's resignation in 1997, says former fullback John Beresford.

His exit proved to be the start of some difficult years on Tyneside and the break-up of the Entertainers.

Beresford, speaking at Show Racism the Red Card session at Westgate Community College this week, is quoted by the Evening Chronicle: "The problem with Newcastle and Kevin Keegan was that he walked away from it.

"If Kevin had stayed another two or three years we'd have moved on and won things.

"That is the frustration.

"Me and Rob Lee talk and catch up those times.

"It's not coming second or losing cup finals, what Keegan did was phenomenal.

"The frustrating thing is for a town and a football club is that Kevin walked out.

"He should never have left the club or that squad of players."