NEWCASTLE, England (AP):

NEWCASTLE BEGAN searching for a new manager yesterday amid calls for an overhaul of the structure that forced Kevin Keegan to quit for a second time in 11 years.

A fan revolt greeted Thursday's resignation - the result of the board's failure to offer Keegan assurances about ending the interference from above that was diluting his power over transfers.

"Newcastle failed to create a structure where Kevin Keegan could flourish," League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan said. "It was like having an orchestra with three conductors, and sooner or later it was going to break down."

protest

After Keegan's resignation, supporters immediately swarmed St James' Park to protest owner Mike Ashley and Dennis Wise, whose appointment as director of football was seen as undermining Keegan.

"I think I would have liked to hear Newcastle talking about how to build a model that works, how they are going to create a clear chain of command," Bevan said.

Gus Poyet, Juande Ramos' assistant at Tottenham, was favoured to take over the team, with Wise a 3-1 shot but a choice that could further incense irate fans.

Alan Shearer - another "Geordie messiah" - may be the only one that could appease fans, but it would be his first managerial job.

David Moyes could be tempted to leave Everton after being disgruntled at the lack of major signings in the offseason. The 45-year-old Scot has failed to agree to an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season.