Football: Barnwell's concern over managers

John Barnwell, the chief executive of the League Managers' Association, expressed his concern yesterday over the increased pressures managers are facing.

"The demands and expectations on managers at the top are much fiercer than they were five years ago," he said following Kevin Keegan's resignation at Newcastle. "And the situation will increase further over the next five years.

"My personal opinion is one of amazement and disappointment that Kevin is going, being a Geordie myself. I was brought up on cup victories and watching the likes of Milburn and Mitchell.

"The expectations are high at the club as they have gone so long without winning a trophy. And it is such a pity that Kevin has decided to leave when they are approaching the final furlong.

"I haven't spoken to Kevin about it but he is due to go with the LMA on a fact-finding tour to Germany at the end of the month. It is very sad, Kevin is a very personable man but the last TV pictures I saw of him he looked very tired. He is always available 24 hours a day.''