Keegan still a driving force for Armstrong

THE words of Newcastle United icon Kevin Keegan are still motivating Gateshead manager Alun Armstrong over three decades after he was released by the Magpies.

- By MARK CARRUTHERS

The Heed boss began his career in the youth setup at St James’ Park and featured alongside the likes of Liam O’Brien and Alex Mathie for United’s second string prior to his departure.

With the big names such as Andy Cole and Peter Beardsley blocking his path to the first team, Armstrong was sold to Stockport County in the £35,000 deal during the summer of 1994 as his senior career was kick-started at Edgeley Park.

Blaydon-born Armstrong went on to become a regular goalscorer with the Hatters before returning to the North East with a £1.6m move to Middlesbrough in February 1998.

Ipswich Town would be the striker’s next point of call and the high point of his time at Portman Road came with home and away goals in a UEFA Cup tie with Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Armstrong's playing career took him to Darlington, Rushden and Diamonds, Doncaster and Newcastle Blue Star before he retired in 2007, later moving into management with Blyth Spartans just under a decade later.